Dorothy Friesen

Peacefully, Dorothy Ann Friesen, age 76 years was called home by her Lord and Saviour on Sunday, May 26^th, 2024 at the Boundary Trails Health Centre. Dorothy was born on February 22^nd ,1948 and grew up in the village of Gnadenfeld, Manitoba. 

She was the eldest child of 7 children born to John H. and Cornelia (Nellie) Friesen. She is survived by her son Ben, 2 sisters, 4 brothers and their families. She was predeceased by her parents, John H. and Nellie Friesen, 1 sister-in-law and 1 brother-in-law.

Dorothy grew up in the village of Gnadenfeld where she attended school till grade 8 and then went to Altona for high school. She enjoyed living in the country, gardening and cooking. She also enjoyed playing with her cousins at the frequent family  gatherings. She especially loved visiting with her Grandma Friesen, Aunt Sara and Aunt Susie.

Early in her adulthood, she moved to the city where she lived for many years, working at different jobs. She attended Home Street Mennonite Church. She frequently took the bus throughout the city visiting relatives and friends.

In 1979 she gave birth to her son, Ben Friesen. Her focus shifted to raising Ben.

Dorothy and Ben moved back to Altona in 1992. In Altona she rented her first house where she planted a garden and a variety of flowers. She was an avid canner in the summer putting up the produce she had grown.

One dream she always had was to have a high school diploma as she was unable to complete high school as a teen. She worked diligently with the help of her local Adult Education teachers to complete her degree. She was super proud of this accomplishment. 

She also had the opportunity to go on a few vacations including a bus tour with a friend to Branson, Missouri where she saw the passion play. 

She enjoyed having a chance to take pictures of the various flowers in her brother Albert’s yard, these visits usually included supper and dessert.

Dorothy had always wanted to learn piano.  In Altona she was able to acquire a piano and take lessons. Dorothy spent much time at her piano playing songs. Another favorite activity was crocheting. She made many toques, scarfs and afghans for others, a splash of color was always added

In 2016 she was admitted into Eastview Place as her health had deteriorated and was no longer able to care for herself. She busied herself with crocheting, word search books, coloring and her favorite pastime was playing bingo.

Dorothy regularly called family to check up on them and share the latest news. She remembered births of her many nephews and nieces. Those calls will be missed.

The family would like to thank the staff and doctors at the Boundary Trails Health Centre, Altona Health Centre, Eastview Place for the kindness, compassion and loving care she received.

We are forever grateful.

May she rest in eternal peace.