Tribute

With great sadness we announce the passing of Susan Niebuhr into the arms of her heavenly Father on February 6, 2023. Susan was born in Nieder Chortitza, Ukraine on February 28, 1935, to Jacob and Maria (nee Redekop) Wall. She had 5 siblings.

In 1943, Susan’s mother and her family were forced to leave their home and they travelled west, settling temporarily in a number of European countries. They eventually ended up in Germany after the war. With her mother and siblings, they were sponsored to immigrate to Canada in 1948.  They settled in Manitoba initially and after one year Susan moved with her mother, sister and brother to BC. Her older siblings joined them once they could afford to travel. In 1951, Susan moved from Abbotsford to Vancouver. She lived with her older sister, entered the work force at age 16, and community and spiritual support was found at First United Mennonite Church.

In late 1958, Susan met Peter at a church youth event, and the rest is history! They were  married on May 23, 1959, at West Abbotsford Church in Abbotsford, BC.  Susan and Peter were happily married for 62 years, until Peter’s passing last year.  Soon after their marriage, their first son (Richard) was born, followed by another son (Jim), a set of twins (Brenda and Bruce) and then another set of twins (Dave and Tom). This was six children in 6 years—a big blessing but also a big challenge!  As a mother, Susan had her hands full, yet she depended on God, who was faithful to meet her needs. Susan was caring, hospitable, generous and fun.

As a follower of Christ, she joyfully shared her faith and the gospel message openly with her family, friends, neighbours and even those she just met. Her roles as a wife and mother/grandmother were her priority.  Her love for God and compassion for others was evident through her gift of hospitality. She also helped support a church young adult group and acted as a mentor for the women. She did babysitting, sang with children in the Sunday school program and helped host a neighbourhood Bible Study for over 30 years. She was a very committed sister, aunt and friend, and felt called by God to walk beside many individuals during their times of need (or…. when they most needed a friend).

Susan and Peter opened their home to many over the course of their marriage. She welcomed a number of relatives to live with her and Peter at different times. She also provided a place to stay for others that were in transition.  As her children grew, Susan enjoyed both holidays with her entire family and yearly trips just with Peter to Hawaii or Palm Springs for much-needed times of rest. She also relished spending time with family and hosting friends at their vacation home in Oroville, Washington.

Susan loved being a grandmother. During this phase of her life, Susan found much meaning in building strong relationships with each of her grandchildren. She also welcomed their spouses into the family with open arms. In addition, she waited with excited anticipation the birth of her great grandchildren.

Susan is predeceased by her husband Peter, parents and siblings Jake, Mary, Elizabeth, and Helen, as well as her son, Bruce and her grandson, Adrian.  She is survived by her children Richard (Rosalie), Jim (Brenda), Brenda (Rick Goossen), David (Irena) and Tom (Laura), her grandchildren Nick (Colleen), Brooke (Rob), Matthias (Kia), Alex (Kathleen), Katrina, Neil (Amanda), Sam (Anaesha), Kaylyn, Claire, Lannea, Bryce, Markus (Denae) and Erik (Isabella), her great-grandchildren Cobie Goossen, Zion Fernandes, and Riley Niebuhr and brother Peter.  She will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

In lieu of flowers please send a donation to Impact Ministries https://impactministries.ca/donate/.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, February 13, 2023, at 1:00 pm at Peace Mennonite Church, 11571 Daniels Road, Richmond. The graveside service will be held at 11 am on Feb. 13, 2023 at Mountain View Cemetery, 5455 Fraser St., Vancouver.

Live streaming of the service will be available on YouTube at Peace Mennonite Church or at https://www.youtube.com/