ERIKA THIESSEN

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ERIKA THIESSEN Erika (formerly known as Sara) Thiessen, nee Epp passed away to her eternal rest on Saturday, March 31, 2018 at Bethania Mennonite Personal Care Home in Winnipeg. "When I was born on the 14th of September 1915 in Hochfeld, Ukraine the joy was shared by my parents, Peter and Helena, nee Penner and five siblings." Her early years were difficult ones: losing her father at the age of four; poverty, famine; Second World War; separation from all her family. But then in 1945 after the war, she miraculously found her brother Gerhard, journeyed far to start a new life in Paraguay and finally in 1956, a new life in Canada. Gerhard's family was also hers. Here in Canada she also reconnected with many cousins. In 1964 she married Peter Thiessen and had an instant family with his four children. Erika travelled far and wide, always with family as her goal. She led a full and long life. She was predeceased by her husband in 2000; father in 1920; mother in 1950, all six siblings Tina (1993), Peter (1932), Kornelius (1944), Lena (1989), Justina (2004) and Gerhard (1992). She will be mourned by her niece Erika Marand (Dennis), their daughters, Kristin (Mike Washnuk), Nicole (Chris Baker); her nephew Gerhard P. Epp (Marlene,) their sons, Aaron (Mandy Elliott), Thomas, Daniel (Anna-Marie Janzen), all of Winnipeg, as well as many more nieces and nephews throughout the world. She also leaves to mourn Peter's children, Jack (Audrey) and family; Anne Collie; Agnes Dyck; daughter-in-law Marlies with children Waldo (Candace), Louise, Dorothy (Ralf); Robert and their families; as well as many friends. Thank you to the considerate, caring staff at Bethania Mennonite Personal Care Home. You were so kind, so gentle and loving! Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 12, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Springfield Heights Mennonite Church, 570 Sharron Bay, Winnipeg; interment at Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, if friends desire, donations may be made to Bethania Mennonite Memorial Foundation, 1045 Concordia Avenue, Winnipeg.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 07, 2018