ELIZABETH DUECK (PLETT)

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ELIZABETH DUECK (nee PLETT) Peacefully on July 7, 2012, Elizabeth Dueck, at the age of 88 passed away into the loving arms of Jesus, at the House of Hope in Arborg, Manitoba. She is survived by her husband, Willie; her children, Raymond (Martha), Neil (Mary Ann), Rose, Trudy (Peter Dueck), Bernie (Caroline), Mary (Henry Friesen), Calvin (Anna), Sid (Bea), and Gloria, as well as grandchildren, Claude (Laura), Ben (Kendra), Carlee, Justin, Alicia, Carissa (Ernest ), Alayna, Amber, Kara, Dean, Jirah (Virginia), Josh (Gina), Katie, Zach, Kyle, Caleb, Andre, Nathan and Stephanie, and four great-grandchildren, Anika, Alliana, Kalia, and Elijah. She was predeceased by one daughter, Mary Anne in infancy, and three grandchildren, Kristin, Jason and Renee. Elizabeth was born in Giroux, Manitoba, on April 20, 1924, to Cornelius and Maria Plett. She was the third oldest in a family of two girls and eight boys. She is survived by brothers, Henry, Albert, John, Corny, Richard, and Elmer. Her siblings, Gertrude, Abe and Otto preceded her in death. She grew up amid a large extended family and always cherished her numerous cousins. In 1947, Elizabeth graduated as a Licensed Practical Nurse, and in 1948, she married Willie and moved to Mexico on their Honeymoon. Here she spent years nursing, for four years out of a clinic in her own home. She was a strong loving woman, raising her own family, giving medical advice in the community and always opening her home to family, friends and strangers. Her home was truly an oasis from which healing and hope radiated to the larger community. In 1963, they moved back to Canada and settled in the Interlake. Here she continued as Willie's right hand assistant in setting up their businesses, first Vidir Lumber and later Vidir Machine. She very much saw the employees as part of her extended family. She also co-partnered with Willie in Mission work and accompanied him on numerous trips to Seminole, Texas to support and encourage new church plants. Elizabeth had a keen sense of adventure and loved to travel. She tried water tubing for the first time at age 70, and was never afraid to try something new. She was also a woman who loved to give. She loved deeply and till the very end she would often try to say the words I Love you, even when too tired for anything else. She gave of her time, and her home was often full. She delighted in giving candy to grandchildren and any other children that walked through her door. She wanted to make sure that every visitor would leave with some small gift. She gave generously to the cause of Christ, both locally and world-wide. The family would like to thank Leona, Bertha and Doris and Clara for the wonderful care Mom received during her last years. They were truly God's gifts to us. We would also like to thank Jodine Sigvaldason for walking with us through those final days and moments. We are deeply thankful for doctors, Home Care and people in the community who have gone beyond the call of duty to support us in this journey And we thank our sister, Rose for the incredible way she has given of herself to be there for Mom. A celebration of Elizabeth's life will be held on Thursday, July 12, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. at the Morweena Evangelical Mennonite Church near Arborg, Manitoba, with viewing prior to the service. Interment to follow in the church cemetery. Viewing will take place on Wednesday, July 11 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Fort Garry Mennonite Fellowship, 150 Bay Ridge Ave., Winnipeg, with a short service beginning at 6:30 p.m. Elizabeth loved flowers, but in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mennonite Central Committee, 134 Plaza Drive, Winnipeg, R3T 5K9.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 10, 2012