Elizabeth (Betty) Margaret Giesbrecht (Dahl)
May 30, 1939 - July 12, 2022
Tribute
Elizabeth Margaret Giesbrecht of Abbotsford, BC, went to be with the Lord, in her 83rd year at 9:30 pm on Tuesday, July 12th at the Menno Home. After a long struggle with Parkinson’s Disease, she passed away in utter peacefulness, forever freed of the symptoms which had robbed her of independence, but not of her gentle personality.
Betty was born to Henry and Tina Dahl, pioneer Sumas Prairie farmers. After high school, Betty spent a year studying at the Mennonite Brethren Bible Institute, before enrolling in Home Economics at the University of BC. Following her teacher training, she enjoyed a productive career. She and her husband David took on several overseas assignments, including teaching in Nigeria and Jamaica. However, most of her professional work was invested at Abbotsford Junior Secondary School.
Betty was a community-minded person, who enjoyed taking on volunteer assignments that included the Bakerview Church library, chairing the BC chapter of the Church and Synagogue Library Association and the Abbotsford Parkinson’s Support Group, as well as involvement in refugee sponsorships through her church. After her children left home to pursue their own careers, there was rarely a time when she did not welcome foreign students or friends needing a place to stay.
Characteristic of Betty was her warm hospitality, resulting in many rich conversations with friends over an evening meal. Since settling in Abbotsford in 1974, she enjoyed participation in small home groups and a readers group. She loved flowers, especially dahlias and orchids, which were perpetually on display in her home.
Betty was predeceased by her parents, Henry and Tina Dahl in 1996, her younger brother Victor in 2020. After 59 years of marriage, she leaves to mourn her husband David, son Clarence, daughter Karen, granddaughters Elli and Belle, many relatives, and friends.
The family expresses a heart-felt thank you to Parkinson Society BC for its courageous advocacy on behalf all British Columbians diagnosed with the disease, and Dr. Anish Kanungo for his effective neurological counsel. We also gratefully acknowledge the compassionate care given to Betty by several home care givers, the staff at the Abbotsford Regional Hospital, and the amazing team at Menno Home. Thank-you for being there for our family during the final season of Betty’s life.
A memorial service with live streaming will be held on Thursday, July 21, 2022 at 11:00 am, at the Clearbrook MB Church.
Condolences
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From: Wiebe and Jeske Funeral Home
Wiebe and Jeske Funeral Home Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Art and Ruth Thiessen
Relation: friend
David, Clarence and Karen, We want to express our sympathy at the loss of your wife and mother. Betty was a special person. We recall many times of friendship and sharing. May God bless and comfort you.
From: Rudy and Marilyn Hiebert
Relation: Neighbors in a culde sac for a few years.
Sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family. Betty’s legacy will be precious.
From: Ed & Louise Janzen
Relation: She was a life-long friend.
It was a pleasure knowing Betty beginning with our university years in Vancouver. We have had many a meal in her house, particularly in the reader’s club, and always enjoyed her unique perspectives on literature. Now that she has walked through the valley of the shadow of death, her Shepherd has provided rest from her many struggles.
From: Elfrieda Klasssen
Relation: Cousin of Betty's & high school graduate classmate
My heartfelt condolences to you David. So sorry for your loss. Although many years have passed since our High School graduation together, we did manage to have the occasional visits. You and Betty had an amazing life together – treasure the memories and may they bring you great comfort.
From: Bobbi Preston
Relation: Blessed friend to have shared meals and conversations and prayersover many years
Dearest David, Clarence and Karen,
Precious Betty with acts of generosity like waffles, an artichoke, a kind word, a lovely story and the one to first send the thank you notes. I admired her and in awe of her ability to courageously meet a great challenge with dignity and faith and gratitude that her Lord held her. You stood with her with such amazing love. Jesus is the source of great love. Know others have been touched and we grieve with you.
From: Mark & Janet Sweeney
Relation: Church
We send our profound condolences to David and family. Betty exemplified a spirit of generosity and kindness. Truly she “fought the good fight”.
From: Judy Bergen
David, you are in my prayers.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
Date & Time:
July 21, 2022
Beginning at 11:00am
Location:
Clearbrook MB Church
2719 Clearbrook Road
Abbotsford, BC Canada
For those who cannot attend in person the service will be livestreamed at:
https://livestream.com/clearbrookmbchurch
2719 Clearbrook Road
Abbotsford, BC Canada
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
Live Service
For those who cannot attend in person the service will be livestreamed Thursday, July 21 at 11 a.m. https://livestream.com/clearbrookmbchurchSend Flowers
Floral Tributes may be ordered directly through our supplier for delivery throughout the entire lower mainland, from Hope to Vancouver:
Wiebe & Jeske Funeral Home
202-31314 Peardonville Rd.
Abbotsford BC
V2T 6K8
info@wiebeandjeskefh.com
604-859-5885
When ordering please have the name of the deceased, the date of the funeral service and the address/phone number of the delivery location for handy reference.
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Send Condolence - For Elizabeth Giesbrecht
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