HILDA THIESSEN

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HILDA THIESSEN Hilda Thiessen, beloved wife of the late John M. Thiessen, passed away peacefully early Wednesday morning September 3, 2014, at the age of 83. She is predeceased by her husband John, her son Larry, her mother Hilda Unger, father Jacob Peter Unger, her brothers Bill and Burt, and her sisters Hertha and Edna. She is survived by her brothers Eric and Walter, and by her three sons David, Paul and Tim, her daughter Carolyn, 14 grandchildren, and 20 great grandchildren. Hilda was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in 1930 but later moved to St. Catharines, Ontario with her family. In 1948 she met John Martin Thiessen, and in 1950, they were married. Hilda and John had two sons, Larry and David, while living in Ontario, then moved to Winnipeg where John continued to pursue a teaching career. Their third son Paul was born shortly after they arrived. Hilda's husband, John, was extremely active as a teacher, choir conductor, coach and eventually principal and board member at Mennonite Brethren Collegiate Institute (MBCI) and later taught at Sisler High School. Hilda supported her husband by eagerly stepping into the role of wife, mother and homemaker with tremendous energy and dedication. John and Hilda had two more children, Tim and Carolyn. So with four very active boys and a girl in tow, Hilda was a tremendous helpmate to John as she cared for the children, ran the household, meticulously managed the finances and provided loving support for her husband. She truly modeled for her children, in real life, what the Bible in Proverbs 31:10-31 calls "a wife of noble character". Hilda had a deep empathy for people and was often found encouraging and walking alongside anyone who was struggling in life. She also had a gregarious personality and her sense of humor was always accompanied by a flash of her bright blue eyes and perfect smile. Later in life John and Hilda were able to enjoy the fruits of their labour (thanks to Hilda's careful budgeting) and travel around the world together. Theirs was a deep and abiding love. The tragic, unexpected loss of their eldest son Larry, in 2005, was an extremely difficult time in their lives, but their deep faith and love for each other sustained them. After 62 years of marriage, at the age of 87, John fell ill and eventually passed away in the fall of 2012. Hilda felt John's loss very deeply and struggled to face each day without him by her side. Shortly after John's passing, Hilda also became ill and eventually moved to Donwood Personal Care Home. In the early morning of September 3, 2014, Hilda passed away peacefully in her sleep and was finally reunited with her husband John and son Larry. A viewing will be held at Friends Funeral Services, 2146 Main Street from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, September 12. A celebration of Hilda's life will be held at noon on Saturday, September 13 at Eastview Community Church, 3500 DeVries Avenue. Donations can be made on behalf of Hilda Thiessen to Mennonite Brethren Mission (formerly MBMS) or Mennonite Central Committee (MCC).
Publish Date: Sep 6, 2014

HILDA THIESSEN Peacefully in her sleep on September 3, 2014, at Donwood Manor Personal Care Home, Hilda Thiessen, beloved wife of the late John M. Thiessen, passed away at the age of 84 years. Funeral service will take place on Saturday, September 13, 2014 at Eastview Community Church, 3500 Devries Avenue, with further arrangements pending. Viewing will be held at Friends Funeral Service, 2146 Main Street from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, September 12, 2014. Longer obituary to follow in Saturday's edition.
Publish Date: Sep 4, 2014

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 06, 2014