Siemens, Olga Dueck (1926-2000)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 2000 Dec 15 p. 29

Birth date: 1926 Mar 3

text of obituary:

OLGA SIEMENS

Olga Siemens of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Oct. 14. She was born Mar. 3, 1926 to Jacob and Suzanna Dueck in Aliessova, Orenburg, Russia. In 1926 the family immigrated to Coaldale, Alta. Her mother died when Olga was 11 . Her father married Lixabeth a year later, but she died after 2 years, and he then married Helen when Olga was 14. Olga was housekeeper and caregiver for her younger siblings. She also worked at the sugar beet farm. She accepted Christ at an early age. She sang in the church choir. She attended Coaldale Bible school for 1 year. At 21, she was a cook at the Bible School. Later she picked fruit and worked in a cannery in Kelowna, B.C. She married Abe Siemens in September 1949. They lived in Kelowna. In 1956 they moved to Abbotsford, where Abe worked at MSA Motors. Olga worked hard to give her children good Christmases and other family celebrations. They attended Central Heights MB Church, where she was secretary for the primary Sunday school department and sang in the choir. They later attended Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford, where she found joy singing and fellowshipping. She enjoyed working at the MCC Thrift Store. She was a gracious hostess, opening her home to family and friends and baking pies, tarts and doughnuts. She collected linens, dishes and pretty things. She is remembered as a faithful, loving wife, caring mother, special grandmother and sincere friend. She had a caring' servant heart. She used her many talents generously in service to God, the church, her family and the community. After being diagnosed with cancer in August 2000, she still showed hospitality and concern for others. Predeceased by Abe in 1997, she is mourned by children Alfred of Japan, Floyd of St. Catharines, Ont. and Shirley Madeley of Richmond, B.C.; 6 grandchildren; 1 great-grandson; 4 brothers and 5 sisters. A memorial service was held Oct. 20 in Bakerview MB Church, with Henry Thiessen and Ross Johnston ministering.