Tribute

Mary Friesen was born to Peter and Mary Braun at their home near Lowe Farm, Manitoba, February 10, 1925. She was the youngest of four children. After high school, she taught grades one through four before moving to Winnipeg. At age 19 she married Edward Friesen, also from Lowe Farm. They spent the first 32 years of their marriage in Winnipeg.
A few significant spiritual seeds were sown during Mary’s childhood that contributed to her decision around that time to begin following Christ as her Lord and Savior. The young couple began building the foundation for their new faith at Calvary Temple.
Soon they transitioned from this large church to a smaller one, Christian Fellowship Chapel, which resulted in increased ministry opportunities. For the next 40 years, their life basically revolved around their church. Mary served faithfully for decades, including some Bible teaching, women’s ministries and always, hospitality. Missionaries and traveling evangelists were frequent overnight guests in their home… and often on short notice.
Mary bore Dennis and Valdeen 5 years apart and she was a devoted wife, mother and homemaker. After their college-age children moved to the States. Mary and Edward both worked part time in real estate as Edward transitioned from his 30 year career at the Hudson’s Bay Company. In 1976 he retired and they moved to Abbotsford, which happened to be the closest domicile where they could retain their Canadian status and yet visit their new grandchildren frequently.
Edward left his earthly life in 1989 at age 64. Sadly this seemed far too early, leaving Mary a relatively young widow. Her loss was large, but her faith in her Heavenly Father endured as she adapted to this new role.
In 2001 she moved to independent living at Menno Terrace until two years ago when she was accepted to Menno Home for the memory care facilities it offered. Though health set her back several times, her family was amazed that she continually recovered and found simple ways to bless others.
She and Edward modeled a deep commitment to Christ, to their faith community, as well as to ministries like Union Gospel Mission, Back to the Bible Broadcast, Billy Graham, and many missionaries across the globe.
Throughout her adult life, she was a devoted Christ follower, a Bible student, a reader, an attentive listener, a generous supporter and a huge prayer warrior. Her son Dennis (and Sally) Friesen, daughter Val (and Allen) Doolittle along with four grandchildren and six great grandchildren are recipients of her faithful life, love and legacy.

With her daughter and son at her bedside, Mary passed peacefully into her Lord’s presence April 1, 2022 at the age of 97. A memorial service is planned for Saturday, May 21st at 10:30 AM at Mill Lake Church, 33218 Marshall Road (and Ware.)

“In lieu of flowers, you’re welcome to donate to Samaritan’s Purse (samaritanspurse.ca)”