ANNE GIESBRECHT

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ANNE GIESBRECHT October 16, 1921 - May 3, 2016 Anne Giesbrecht passed away on May 3, 2016 at the age of 94 years. Anne was born on October 16, 1921 to John M. Giesbrecht and Aganetha (Toews) Giesbrecht, the first born of three children. She was predeceased by her brother John E. Giesbrecht, his wife Heidi and her niece Heidi. She is survived by her sister Mary Giesbrecht Friesen and brother-in-law John Friesen and sister in law Mary Pauls Giesbrecht, eight nephews and nieces: Karl (Carol), Elisabeth, Calvin (Bev), Waldo (Donna), Milton (Janice), Albert (Luisa), Darcy and Anita, 17 great nieces and nephews, and eight great-great nieces and nephews. Anne was born and raised on a farm in the Mennonite village of Neuenburg just south of Winkler, Manitoba. She attended Birkenhead School and then completed her high school education in Winkler. She then attended Winkler Bible Institute graduating in 1944. Anne tried her hand at sewing and teaching before taking a business course at Success College in Winnipeg. Her first job in Winnipeg was as a secretary for Allis Chalmers Rumely, a farm equipment distribution company. In 1951 she was recruited by MCC to work in the area of refugee resettlement. For the next two years she was stationed in the office of refugee camps in Gronau and then in Bremen, Germany. There she assisted refugees in making arrangements for immigration to Canada. In her memoir Anne describes this time as, "the two most challenging and interesting years in my life". While in Europe she developed a taste for travel, a passion she held for decades, venturing to many parts of the world. On her return to Canada she joined The Bay, where she worked in the Human Resources Office for 30 years. She retired in 1986 and was proud to say she had never taken a sick day. At the age of 51, she became a homeowner with the purchase of a large older house on Preston Avenue, Winnipeg. She spent many happy years renovating and restoring the house. She was a passionate gardener with a large vegetable and flower garden. Indoors she grew African violets which was a favorite flower of Anne and her mother. She was the family genealogist spending many hours researching family history. Anne was one of the first members of Bethel Mennonite Church and a contributing member to many church committees. She also was involved on the Board that established Bethel Place which became her home after she sold her house in 1993. Anne was a much loved aunt to her nine nieces and nephews and we recall with happiness the times we spent with her at family gatherings and special times at her home. She never forgot a birthday. The second floor apartment in her Preston street house was a home for several of her nephews and nieces over the years. Those who knew her, soon learned that she had opinions on most issues and often these opinions were strongly held. She loved her Bethel Church, the larger Mennonite Church, MCC and Bethel Place. In her later years she developed a close relationship with Donna and Waldo and their children. Her niece Elisabeth was always available to Anne assisting her during her declining health and was with her in her final hours. Anne and her sister Mary were close to each other and this relationship continued until death. Family members recognize that her sister in law, Mary Pauls Giesbrecht, has been a very kind and gentle friend and sister who devoted much time in the last number of years attending to Anne, especially at Anne's final home at West Park Manor. A funeral service will take place on Wednesday May 11, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Bethel Mennonite Church, 465 Stafford Ave, Winnipeg, MB In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Mennonite Central Committee, or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements by BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL 1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 07, 2016