GLADYS MARION FUNK FRIESEN

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GLADYS MARION FUNK FRIESEN April 13, 1926 - March 14, 2019 It is with sadness and gratitude that the Friesen family announces the peaceful passing of our dear mother Gladys. She will be sadly missed her by children, Sharyn (Joe) Jarzombek, Brad (Chandra Hickling) Friesen, Ivan Friesen and CariLyn (Mark) Buller, and her five grandchildren, Christopher, Zachary and Luke Buller, and Aiden and Keira Friesen, her surviving sister, Della Fast of Steinbach, MB, her in-laws, and all of her nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Anton and Sadie (Dueck) Funk, and her brothers, Alvin Funk of Helena Montana and Edwin Funk of Steinbach, Manitoba, and sister Trudy Itterman of Surrey, BC. She was also predeceased by her son, Garry, who passed October 11, 2015, and by her husband, Wilbert (Bert) A. Friesen, who passed March 29, 2016. Gladys was born in Lowe Farm, Manitoba and moved to Steinbach at age 11. A beautiful and popular young woman, she had dear friends and was part of a small group who sang and played instruments in church. She married Bert Friesen in 1947 and they spent the first three years of their married life in Whitehorse, Yukon where they began their family. They moved to Steinbach in 1950, and then to Winnipeg in 1973. Gladys was devoted to her family and gave every ounce of her energy to the nurturing of their needs. She was a talented seamstress, great cook, wonderful hostess, avid gardener and loyal and loving friend. During the years when the children were growing, she faced many challenges bravely and made a mark on her family and community. Her efforts with the Association for the Mentally Handicapped knew no bounds. When their son Garry, who had Down Syndrome, was growing up, she worked tirelessly on several committees for the benefit of all of his community, assisting in the efforts of her husband Bert and many others. When she was a senior, she enjoyed the challenge of full-time employment with a condominium company for a few years. Gladys and Bert were members of the Evangelical Mennonite Brethren Church in Steinbach where they raised their family. When they moved to Winnipeg they joined the Christian Fellowship Chapel where they have remained faithful and loyal until the end of their lives. Especially important to her was her involvement with the ladies' group and their seniors group, Keenagers. Gladys lived at River Ridge Retirement Residence for the last three years, and really enjoyed her time there. She spent the last years being grateful, happy she was still alive and accepting of her ever-changing status. To know Gladys was to know her beauty, both inside and out. She was a prayer warrior for her family and her extended family. Her presence always brightened the room and her loving attention was appreciated by all. She lived in the anticipation of her Heavenly Home and her desire was to join her beloved husband Bert and son Garry. Her trust in God and His care over all of us was very real to her. She will be watching over us as she is in His hands and awaits our home coming. Thanks to Rev. John Harwood and the faithful members of the church and dear family members for their loving support over the last many years. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to either: Christian Fellowship Chapel, World Vision Canada, or Youth for Christ Winnipeg. Celebration of Life services will be held on Wednesday, March 20, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. at Christian Fellowship Chapel, 465 Osborne St., Winnipeg. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit www.chapellawn.ca Chapel Lawn Funeral Home 204-885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 16, 2019