DOROTHEA (THEA) MINNA MATHILDE BONSEL (THEA)

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DOROTHEA (THEA) MINNA MATHILDE BONSEL June 12, 1929 - January 3, 2019 It is with loving sadness that we announce the death of Thea Bonsel, on Thursday, January 3, 2019. Left to cherish her memory are her granddaughters, Colleen Fraser (Doss Conley) and Andrea McDougall (Steven), great-granddaughters, Thea, Neeve and Rork, and her son-in-law Leo Fraser (Rosemarie). Thea was predeceased by her beloved husband Rudi, and daughter Ursula Fraser. Thea was born on June 12, 1929 in Eastern Germany to Erna and Friedrich Franzke, and along with her sister Erika, they were a very loving family. Thea frequently spoke fondly of her childhood and shared her memories of caring for the family's farm animals and helping in their general store. When the Second World War reached Thea's village in 1945 her family was forced to flee, leaving everything behind. After a long journey to Denmark, they lived in a refugee camp until they were able to return to East Germany several years later, but were never able to return to their home. These were hard and scary times but Thea's bravery and strength got her through. At the age of 18 she made the courageous but dangerous decision to cross the border from East into West Germany by herself, in search of a better future. She made her way to the city of Koblenz, where she soon met her future husband Rudi. Thea and Rudi were married on December 19, 1950 and in 1952 they welcomed their daughter Ursula, who was the pride and joy of their lives. In 1957 they moved to Canada, settled in Winnipeg, and though they spoke very little English, were able to quickly find jobs and begin building a wonderful life. Thea worked in various jobs before joining Rudi at the tailor shop where he worked, and was able to learn the trade and become an excellent seamstress. They spent most weekends camping and exploring Manitoba, and eventually built a cottage near Gimli, which became their second home. Thea retired in 1986 to spend more time caring for her family, summers at the cottage, and part of every winter in Cuba. Thea was an adoring mother and Oma, and her later life was devoted to caring for her daughter and indulging her granddaughters. After the death of her husband Rudi in 2009, Thea continued to live at home for several years, carrying on her daily walks to her favourite coffee shop, visiting neighbours and spending time with her granddaughters and great-granddaughters. Her final years were spent at the River East Personal Care Home, where she was well cared for by the staff, and especially by her dear companion Ursula Henschke. We would like to extend our sincerest thanks to the staff at River East, for the loving care they provided to Dorothea, and the support they provided to us in our journey through our Oma's dementia. And to our Oma's companion Ursula, we can't even begin to express our gratitude to you for all the love, patience and time you shared with her. Knowing that she was not alone because you were with her during times that we could not be gave us immense comfort and peace of mind. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at Desjardins Funeral Chapel, 357 Des Meurons Street. Desjardins 204-233-4949 1-888-233-4949 www.desjardinsfuneralchapel.ca
Publish Date: Jan 8, 2019

DOROTHEA (THEA) MINNA MATHILDE BONSEL It is with loving sadness that we announce the passing of Thea Bonsel on Thursday, January 3, 2019. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at Desjardins Funeral Chapel, 357 Des Meurons Street. Longer notice to follow. Desjardins 204-233-4949 1-888-233-4949 www.desjardinsfuneralchapel.ca
Publish Date: Jan 5, 2019

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 05, 2019, Jan 08, 2019