Elsa Tielmann (Funk)
November 4, 1939 - January 3, 2021
Tribute
Our Mom, Elsa Tielmann, went to be with her Lord and Saviour, very suddenly, on January 3, 2021. As family and friends, we mourn the loss of our Mom/Oma/Friend, but we rejoice in the knowledge that she is reunited with Dad. Together they are celebrating with the Lord. Mom lived her life with a love for Jesus and lived out her faith with the knowledge that Heaven would be her reward.
Mom was born on November 4, 1939 in Neu-Halbstadt, Colony Sagradovka. When she was four years old, she, her parents and 2 siblings fled their home during the German Army’s attack on Russia. During this time, they were captured by the Russian Army and were sent to Alatai Siberia, an exile camp. Although their time in the camp was difficult, she still said she had many fond memories. Her favourite was singing German Hymns with her Mother and Father. After they were released from the camp in 1956, they moved to Neveynsk, in the Ural Mountains.
In 1957 Mom met Dad while she was visiting family in another village. After writing letters for a short while, they became engaged in 1958. They were later married on January 1, 1959. They settled in Zem Sawd, Nevejansk, Russia. Here they grew their family with twin boys. In 1962 they moved to Kyrgyzstan, Frunze. Here is where they grew their family again to include 7 more children. Sadly, one brother became very ill at the age of 7 months and did not survive.
In April 1974, with help from Uncle Jake, Dad’s brother, our family was able to immigrate to Canada. Where they settled in Abbotsford, BC. Here they welcomed 4 more children.
Mom and Dad raised their family in Abbotsford and settled into life in Canada. Got involved with their Church, King Road MB and made many friends along the way.
Even though we had a full house of kids Mom always had room for more. It wasn’t uncommon to have their own 12 kids and another 12 from the neighbourhood. Her home and table were always open to anyone who came in the door. Mom greeted everyone with a smile, a hug and something to eat. She was an amazing self-taught seamstress. She would sew dresses for us girls with just a picture from a magazine. She loved singing and poetry. Mom had an incredible ability to recite lengthy poems from memory.
She is survived by her 12 children, 33 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren: Vic (Denise – Jordan, Kayla(Thomas), Brayden), Walera (Patti – Shaylene, Colten), Henry (Leanne – Ryan(Lenette), Alexa(Spencer), Jake (Lesa), Helen (Eldon – Jared, Rachael(Uuri), Walter (Jacob), Irene (Chris – Courtney (Tyler – Harrison), Riley), Eddie (Belle – Finnley, Felix, Stella), Agnes (Elmer – Caleb, Dakota), Linda (Will – Taylor (Mathias), Noah, Levi, Silas, Jethro), Anita (Dean – Ariah, Keon), Danny (Sherri – Tristyn, Jayda, Bryson, Brielle). Also, her adopted family the Beutelspacher, Vic, Irene – Mike (Kiyoko – Katelynn, Dominic, Nikolas), Jenni (Brayden, Christopher), Denise (Liam).
She also had a very dear friend Lauren McCloud. Mom loved spending her days with Lauren on all their many adventures and numerous Tim Hortons visits.
We will miss you Mom/Oma, but we rejoice with you that you are in Heaven and we will see you again.
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: Gordon and Dorothy DeLong
Relation: Next door neighbour
We send our prayers and condolences to all of Elsa’s family and to all those she has touched with her love( pretty much everybody she has met).We got to see her love, first hand, by being her next door neighbour for the last 3 and half years. She was such a giving person. We have benefited, several times , from her impromptu and unexpected invitations , to join her with other neighbours, to share meals with her( pre Covid). This past Easter , we were all home keeping socially distanced. She, with Lauren ‘s help, called her neighbours to gather in front of her’s and our garages. So a bunch of us did this, keeping distanced by family and she she served us her traditional Easter Bread..
There are many more examples how she loved to reach out and welcome others. I know that she has received quite the welcome in Heaven.
From: Caulene Thoms
Relation: Aunt /Great Aunt to Anita, Dean, Ariah and Keon
Such a beautiful tribute to your mom,oma.Hamish and I are so terribly sad for your loss.
From: Mari Friesen
Relation: Friend of the family
Dear Tielmann siblings, all of you. I just want to let you know that I am grieving with you. Your mom‘s hospitality, generosity and kindness have remained vivid in my memory. You are extended family to me.
Much comfort to you as you grieve in a time of social distancing. Many grieve with you.
From: Familie Funk (Onkel Heinrich, Olga, Diana und Anita)
Relation: Bruder, Nichte
Unseres aufrichtiges Beileid und tiefes Mitgefühl für diesen schweren Verlust. Wir wünschen euch ganz viel Kraft.
From: Bonnie Plett
Relation: Neighbor
Our condolences to the Tielmann family. Our mother/Oma was a perfect example of love and hospitality. Even though i didn’t know her for very long, she has left a permanent impression on my life. Elsa will be missed in our neighborhood, but rejoice she is alive in heaven and living her reward!!
From: Cal McCloud
Relation: My sister’s best friend.
To Elsa’s family and friends.
I never met the dear lady, but did speak to her on the phone a few times and she struck me as a wonderfully nice woman.
I am also fully aware of the great friendship she gave my sister Lauren which was really appreciated by me.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences for her passing, and know that a far-away stranger also shares in this loss.
Smile when you think of her and always remember the joy she gave you over the years.
Sincerely,
Cal McCloud
Toronto
From: Ed Friesen
Relation: Former Church member
I remember your Mom/Grandma very well, she was an inspiration with her energy and kindness. My condolences.
From: Agnes Penner
Relation: her first cousin
I will miss our cousin lunches and visits with Elsa – they were often at her place – she always had a spread for us. We enjoyed her stories and love for life. I especially enjoyed seeing her beautiful geraniums on the patio – reminded me of our mother’s love of flowers. The family will miss her so much.
From: Debbie & Praven Sorensen
Relation: Lesa & Jake AuntieDebbie & Uncle Praven
Hugs prayers and positive thoughts god speed to all. Elsa was one of the sweetest ladies we have ever met
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
Date & Time:
January 11, 2021
Beginning at 11:30am
Graveside service will be livestreamed at
https://youtu.be/6gxRKXfDnvA
Graveside Service
Date & Time:
January 11, 2021
Beginning at 11:30am
https://youtu.be/6gxRKXfDnvA
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
Send 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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