SUSIE LOEWEN (HARDER)

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SUSIE LOEWEN

Peacefully, with family by her side, Susie Loewen, passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2020, at Charleswood Care Centre, at age 91.
Susie (Harder) Loewen was born in Winkler, Manitoba on October 2, 1928, to Henry P. and Helena Harder. She had a happy childhood growing up on the family farm with four older sisters and one younger brother. Susie shared memories of picking berries, learning to sew, working in the fields and teaching each other to drive in the fields. At age 10, Susie invited Jesus into her life and began her own faith journey which lasted throughout her lifetime.
On completion of high school in Winkler, Susie took nurses training (RN) at St. Boniface Hospital where lifelong friendships were made. She took further training in psychiatric nursing which led to an invitation to work at a new MCC Psychiatric Hospital in Reedley, California. At the same time, a young man, Henry Loewen, noticed Susie in the church choir at Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church where they were both members. Susie went to California to work and Henry followed at Christmas to propose to his sweetheart. Susie accepted and in October 1959 they were married in Winkler and began life in Winnipeg where Susie worked as a nurse at Concordia Hospital.
Susie and Henry were blessed with three daughters. Susie lived with intention and decided to leave her nursing career for a period of time to stay at home and be present in the lives of her daughters during their early school years. Our mother was a wonderful homemaker, providing warm hospitality to many, celebrating the seasons and finding ways to make memories including years of summer family time at Faloma Beach. She found time for sewing, learning ceramics and quilting. Friends and fellowship at Elmwood Church, St. Boniface Evangelical Church and Jubilee Church richly enhanced life. Susie eventually went back to nursing and spent 10 very satisfying years as one of the first nurses to work on the Palliative Care Unit at St. Boniface Hospital.
Retirement years for Susie and Henry did not slow down but provided opportunities to spend more time with their children and grandchildren, breakfasts with neighbours and extended family, and service opportunities with Trans World Radio, Billy Graham ministries and MCC Thrift Store.
In 2013, Susie lost her dear Henry. She enjoyed the friendship and loving care at Donwood Elderly Persons Housing for the past seven years. Although Susie's cognitive function and memory posed challenges in the last few years, she maintained clarity in her faith in God, appreciation of family, sense of humour, and graciousness and kindness to others. She accepted life as it came to her without resistance.
Susie was predeceased by her husband Henry; parents; brother Ben; sisters, Helen (Peter) Loewen, Gertrude (John) Klassen, and Margaret; one brother in infancy; brothers-in-law, Peter Doerksen and Gordon Dueck; and son-in-law Rick Hamm. She leaves behind her three daughters, Barb Hamm, Ingrid (Wilson) Anderson, and Wilma (Dan) Wiens; grandchildren, Rachel (Matt) Winkler, Karis (Jason) Dyck, Natalie (Akash) Tamang, Josh (Mariana Rodriguez Valencia) Wiens, Malyssa (Reuben Geisterfer) Wiens, Cora Wiens and Chad Wiens; great-grandchildren, Molly and Chase Winkler, Baby Dyck soon to be born, Julian and René Wiens, Odin and Oliver Geisterfer; sister Tina Doerksen; sister-in-law Nettie Dueck; and nieces and nephews.
We are very thankful for the care and compassion shown to Susie at Donwood Elderly Persons Housing and most recently at Charleswood Care Centre, and for being provided with time to be with our mother at the end of her life. We rejoice that Susie is now at peace with Jesus.
Flowers are gratefully declined. Those wishing to make a donation may do so to Donwood Manor Foundation Inc.
Please visit www.friendsfs.ca for this obituary.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 18, 2020