KATHARINA (KATJA) FRIESEN

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KATHARINA (KATJA) FRIESEN
1919 - 2020

With heavy hearts, the family of Katharina (Katja) Friesen announces her passing on Monday, June 8, 2020.
Katharina will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by her children: Elsie (Martin) Neufeld, Waldemar, Helene Merrell, Margaret, George (Vicki); 10 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; those who considered her their Oma or Grandma; as well as many relatives and friends in Canada, Ukraine, and Germany. She was predeceased by her husband George Friesen, her son-in-law Robert Merrell, her siblings, as well as her late husband's generation.
Katharina was born in January, 1919, in the family home of Rosenheim, Ukraine. She was the youngest of 11 children. Her father, Nikolai Friesen, passed away when she was one year old leaving her mother Helena (nee Hildebrandt) and Katharina's siblings to endure the horrific years under Stalin's regime. Katharina was a survivor of Stalin's collectivization, the Holodomor (Great Famine-Genocide, 1932-1933) and the Second World War. Nevertheless, she felt that her early childhood years were some of the happiest times of her life.
In January, 1939, Katharina married Yuri Kuzmenko (who later changed his name to George Friesen). They had two children in Ukraine. The family survived the Nazi invasion and fled to Germany where they survived the Allied forces invasion and the ensuing turmoil. Their third child was born in Germany. In 1947, with the help of Canadian relatives, for which they were ever grateful, the family immigrated to Manitoba. Two more children were born in Canada. The family lived in Ste. Elizabeth, Pine Ridge (now Bird's Hill Park), St. Adolphe, and Winnipeg. Katharina and George enjoyed many pleasant winters in La Feria, in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas. One of their greatest shared pleasures was gardening which they now could do year round.
In Ukraine, Katharina was a teacher and a translator with fluency in four languages. Later she learned English in Canada, mostly from her children based on what they learned in school. In the early years in Canada, while George worked away from home most of the time, Katharina ran a mixed farm with the help of her children, which supplied most of the family's food. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Katharina worked at the University of Manitoba as a research assistant and instructor in the Zoology department. She had a great capacity to work and organize. Katharina and George made a remarkable team that saw their immediate and extended family through many hardships. It was important for Katharina to keep in touch with relatives in Germany and Ukraine.
Family was first in Katharina's life. Nothing brought a sparkle more to her eyes, than seeing her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Katharina left a rich legacy of a life lived with resilience, perseverance, integrity, adaptability, generosity and love.
Katharina spent 10 happy years in BethaniaHaus apartments before moving to Bethania Personal Care Home in April, 2019. The family thanks Agatha Krueger, Kathy and Bill (deceased) Hildebrandt, Adina Wall and her many good neighbours for their companionship.
The family deeply appreciates the staff at Bethania Personal Care Home for the exceptional care and attention. Thanks to all who visited, phoned and sent cards over the years. Special thanks to Louise Pfitzner for keeping in touch over time and distance.
In lieu of flowers or cards, donations can be made to Ukraine Ministry, The Mennonite Benevolent Society or the Recreation or Spiritual Care Programs, Bethania Mennonite Memorial Foundation. Mailing address for all donations is 1045 Concordia Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2K 3S7.
Due to the current public health gathering restrictions, a private funeral service is being held.

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 Jun 13, 2020