EMMA SUZANNA WIEBE

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EMMA SUZANNA WIEBE (1923 2014) Emma died peacefully in her sleep at the age of 91 at Heritage Life Personal Care Home in Niverville, MB on Monday, September 8, 2014. Mother was born at the family farm near Niverville on February 19, 1923, the seventh child of Karl and Lydia Schultz. In June 1942 she married John N. Wiebe of Niverville and they eventually settled on a small farm in "east" Tourond in 1946. They were to spend the next 41 years together on the farm raising a family of eight sons. On more than one occasion Mom proved that she could be a formidable presence as she "ran interference" (without ever tipping her hand) for her sons in their "growing up" phase. Without daughters to assist her, she always ensured that all eight of us were well-nourished and well-groomed. She had a reputation for being an excellent cook one fact all current family members can agree on. Mom always made sure that she had several entries in the annual Niverville Fair and always scored her share of first prizes. She had a "green thumb" and her vegetable and flower gardens were a joy to behold. Despite the myriad of tasks a farm wife and mother of that day was required to perform, time was found to indulge her passion of reading history was a particular interest and to get involved in the community; in particular, in the Niverville United Church and the Niverville Women's Institute (W.I.). The inevitable arrival of women on the scene in the form of girlfriends and wives unleashed a new flurry of activity. Every new family received a beautiful afghan. The subsequent arrival of toddlers resulted in the production of stuffed animals for their amusement and enjoyment. Babysitting services were never refused and formed the basis for many fond memories for both her and her grandchildren. Emma was predeceased by her husband John (August 2000), one son Gordon (August 1994), and one granddaughter Shelley (November 1968). Left to cherish her memory are: two sisters Ella (Kemila), of Winnipeg, and Hilda (Hiebert), of Ross Port, ON.; seven sons and their families, Eugene (Judith), Winnipeg/ Victoria, BC; Les (Pat), Winnipeg; Harold, Winnipeg /Sooke, BC; Eric (Shirley), St. Malo; Earl, Niverville; Anthony, Niverville; Curtis (Rosemary), Steinbach; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, September 13 at 2:00 p.m. at the Fourth Avenue Bible Church in Niverville with Reverend Judy Limpright officiating. Public viewing will be at the church prior to the service. There will be a private family committal at a later date. The family gratefully acknowledges the compassionate care of the staff at Heritage Life Personal Care Home in Niverville, as well as home care and other medical professionals over the years. In lieu of flowers, donations in Emma's memory may be made to the Niverville United Church Building Fund. Arrangements by BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL 1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 13, 2014