MARGARET DYCK

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MARGARET DYCK

February 13, 1922 – November 8, 2023

Our dear Mother and Oma, Margaret Dyck, was born in Schoenhorst, Ukraine, to Heinrich and Margareta (Bergen) Neufeld, the oldest of five sisters. She was baptized on her faith in her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on June 8, 1942. She met and fell in love with our father, Jacob Dyck (who predeceased her in 1999), while both were refugees in post-war Germany. They were married in Steinbach, Manitoba, on September 4, 1949, and lived in Winnipeg their whole married life. Their marriage was blessed with five children:

Heinz, who predeceased her in 2020;

Frank, Anne-Marie and their family: Ian and Beverly (Shekinah and Gabrielle), Daniel and Rachel (Josiah, Jacob, and Emilie); Jeanette and Paul (Jaden, Bryce, and Tait), and Melanie and Kyle;

Paul and Kathy, and their family: Jessica, Rebecca and Mike, and Sonya;

Bruno and Heather, and their family: Sara and Cameron, Paul, and Jonathan;

Rita and Ernie, and their family: Christopher and Julia.

Mom had happy memories from her growing-up years. Especially important to her were memories of singing together with others. She loved to take her guitar and lead singing in family and friendship circles.

She grew up in turbulent times. Her childhood was marred by the hardship Russia’s new Soviet government inflicted upon its people. Then, during her teenage and young adult years, she experienced the terrors of The Second World War, the harshness of refugee life, and eventually the great joy of immigration to Canada in 1947. They were eternally grateful for the Franz and Tina Letkeman family that received them with great love and wonderful hospitality in Graysville, Manitoba.

We have many fond memories of our mother including the everyday and special meals she lovingly prepared (Quarktaschen, Huehnerbratten and Bubbat, rhubarb upside-down cake with ice cream, Koolaid popsicles from the freezer), her always reminding us to dress warmly (and providing a life-time supply of long underwear), and her love of music.

Like many others of her generation, our mom was an uber-hostess – her table always set with far too much food, an expression of her joy of having dear friends and family to serve. We especially remember the get-togethers with the Neufeld cousins, and later the times of playing dominoes with grandkids and many others.

She prayed for all of us – holding us close in her heart. Mom had a strong faith, and she and Dad were very dedicated to the church. They were charter members at Douglas Mennonite Church.

She and Dad were generous in their support of us – making sure our start in life was much more comfortable than theirs. Mom and Dad also made Christmas very special, even in the early years when resources were not abundant, they went all out to celebrate Christ’s birth.

After their nest was empty, she and Dad enjoyed travelling together and their small cottage in Belair. Family get-togethers became highlights for all of us, including spouses and eventually grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Our annual family retreats always featured her tasty baking and watermelon and rollkuchen. Perhaps the most special family gathering was one where she didn’t bring anything except herself – when we celebrated her 100th birthday amidst hearty visiting and good cheers with her family from near and far!

Mom lived independently until she was 100 years old, after which she was so thankful to move into Bethania Personal Care Home, where she received much-appreciated wonderful care. Even, and perhaps especially, in her final years she modeled a spirit of thankfulness, good humor, and diligent prayer.

In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made to Mennonite Central Committee or Bethania Personal Care Home.

A celebration of her life will be held at Douglas Mennonite Church on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at 1:30 p.m.

in care of arrangements
Tributes: friendsfs.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 10, 2023, Nov 11, 2023