LYDIA HOEHNE (MIELKE)

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LYDIA HOEHNE (nee MIELKE) It is with deep sadness that the family announces the passing of Lydia Hoehne. She is finally free from her chronic pain and suffering. She joins her predeceased parents Eduard and Olga Mielke, brother Ted, sister Ruth Pelzer and son-in-law Klaus Oelke. Lydia was born on May 28, 1936, the youngest of three children, in Borwka in the province of Wolingen Poland. After the Second World War, mom lost her father and the family fled to Ostfriesland Germany it is here that she was baptized in 1944 at the age of 8. In 1948 they immigrated to Minatonas, Manitoba to join family. Here she attended school and then began working at the Swan River hospital. She moved to Winnipeg in 1954 and joined the Mission Baptist Church and remained a member there until her death 62 years later. Early in 1961 she met the love of her life, Erhard Hoehne, and they married July 15 of the same year. The highlights of her life included being a Mom and Oma to Erica Oelke (Dave Barber), Jeremy, Kendra; David (Jackie), Danae, Bronwyn and Nathan; and Ralph (Joanne), Brett (Molly), Ashton, Connor and Logan. They also sponsored five children in need in Brazil and India. Lydia loved to cook and garden and always had room at her table and in her home for others. She ran an efficient home and enjoyed volunteering at church in various capacities. She actively supported Erhard in his business ventures. She enjoyed camping and travelling with family. Just before Dad retired they started vacationing in warmer places, most recently in Florida to be close to Ralph and his family. Life changed drastically for Lydia in December, 1979 when she underwent a risky open-heart surgery. By God's grace, she recovered but was left with chronic issues. June, 2013 she had a setback due to osteoporosis which limited her mobility. Erhard lovingly cared for her so that she could live at home Homecare and family gave some assistance. Lydia suffered several strokes in February and on March 1, 2016 the Lord took Lydia to be with him. She fought the good fight and will now receive the crown. Despite her many physical challenges, Lydia lived life with grace and dignity. She brought out the best in everyone she encountered. Because she lived decades beyond what doctors predicted, she reminded us continually that God numbers our days she encouraged us to see each day as a gift and to use it wisely. She will be missed by her husband, children, grandchildren, extended family, neighbours and friends. A special thank you to the staff at Ste-Anne Hospital for their exceptional and compassionate care. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Mission Baptist Church, 771 Sargent Avenue. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mission Baptist International Foundation Inc. (India) or Chain of Love (Brazil) orphanages, who care for children in the name of Jesus. More info and on-line guest book at http://www.friendsfs.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 05, 2016