Tribute

It is with great sadness that the family of Louella Thiessen announces her passing, after a long illness – on Nov. 12th, 2014 at the age of 63.
Louella Marie Thiessen was born to the late Nick and Hilda Thiessen, April 9th, 1951 in Powell River B.C.  Louella graduated from Max Cameron High School in 1969.  She attended Bible College in North Vancouver for a year in 1970. Then, in 1972, she volunteered with the YWAM (Youth With a Mission) Ministry and traveled to Germany for training and then spent 6 months serving in Africa. Subsequently, in 1977, she graduated from BCIT as a Registered Nurse, and spent the next 15 years working in various hospitals in BC, with her favourite part being a labour and delivery nurse helping new moms and the wee babies at Surrey Memorial Hospital.

Oct 23, 1983 was a special day when she married Paul Waldo Thiessen. Their continued devotion to each other is an enduring testament of love and commitment.  In 1992, due to a back injury, Louella was forced to quit nursing, the profession she loved. In the years following, together with Paul, they became foster parents.  For 22 years more than 35 children and adults lived in their home and experienced a mother’s love and the wonderful compassion and joy that Louella poured into each of their lives – some for a short while and others continue to this day.

Two of those children (Jason and Jessica Steele) have been with Louella and Paul for 16 years who are Mom and Dad to them. Two others (John Stevenson and Tristyn Holowchuk) have been with Louella and Paul for 7 and 5 years respectively and both have become like family.

In addition to caring for many children, Louella and Paul supported numerous adults throughout the years. Kathleen Martens has lived with them since 2008 and Judy Muraguri and Ziporrah (Zippy) Sanya have been part of Paul and Lou’s family since 2001. Many others have also found comfort and shelter in Louella and Paul’s home.

Louella indeed possessed the rare ability to open her heart and her home to anyone who was in need. This is truly her legacy.

Louella will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 31 years, Paul, and her remaining sister, Eileen (nee: Brown). She is predeceased by her parents, Nick and Hilda Thiessen, a baby brother (Danny Roy) and a baby sister (Judy Marie).  Louella will also be forever remembered by her many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and her many foster children.

A viewing will be held at St. Matthews Anglican Church (2010 Guildford Drive, Abbotsford BC) on Tuesday, Nov 18 at 7:00 PM. The Memorial Service will be held at St. Matthews Anglican Church on Tuesday November 25 at 11:00 AM.