Goertzen, Irma Friesen (1933-2000)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 2000 Aug 11 p. 29

Birth date: 2000 Aug 11

text of obituary:

IRMA GOERTZEN

Irma Goertzen of St. Catharines, Ont. passed away suddenly Jan. 14. She was born July 4, 1933 to Jacob and Sarah Friesen in Hythe, Alta. The family moved to Beaverlodge, Alta. in 1937, then to Tofield, Alta. in 1941. In 1946 they moved to a farm in Vineland, Ont. At 17, after high school, she began working for General Motors. In 1953 she married Frank Goertzen. In 1953 she was baptized and joined Virgil (Ont.) MB Church. She helped with packing fruit on their farm and her in-laws' farm. She loved working in the greenhouse next door, where flowers were grown. She and Frank were charter members of Orchard Park Bible Church, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. In 1994 they retired to Evergreen Apartments at Tabor Manor, St. Catharines. They joined Fairview MB Church. She enjoyed working in the church library and with Pioneer Girls. She and Frank volunteered at Camp Crossroads for many years, in the MCC warehouse in Akron, Pa. and in the church kitchen. Her love for crafts and sewing was evident in many church activities. She is remembered for her self-sacrificing service, her love for life and a life honouring her Lord. She is mourned by Frank; sons Arnold and Brian, both of St. Catharines; daughter Wendy Froese of Calgary; and 7 grandchildren. The funeral was Jan. 18 at Fairview MB Church, with Waldo Pauls ministering.