Obituary of Selma Friesen

Our mom, Selma Friesen, passed away peacefully at the age of 93 on Saturday, March 30, 2024, with her sons Glen and Tim at her side and was welcomed into heaven by her saviour, Jesus Christ.

Selma was born June 25, 1930, to John and Agnes Wiebe on their homestead just north of Herbert, Saskatchewan. The Wiebe family would eventually grow to include two sisters and six brothers.

Selma enjoyed growing up on the farm and was active in her church, both in Sunday School and Pioneer Girls. Once her schooling was complete, she decided to follow her sister, Anne, to Winnipeg where she took a job at the Canadian Bible Society. After some time, Selma’s future sister-in-law, Helen Friesen, introduced her to Abe Friesen from Lowe Farm. A romance soon began and one of their first outings included a friendly game of tennis.

Abe and Selma were married in Herbert on June 20, 1960, and moved to Springstein (MB), where Abe taught high school math and science, before moving to Steinbach in 1962.

The Friesen family soon grew as they welcomed their sons, Glen in 1961, and Tim in 1963. Two other children, Sandra and Andrew, passed away in their infancy.

Selma very much enjoyed looking after the family, including baking brown bread, buns, and paska, which were greatly enjoyed. She was also continuously active in church, where both Selma and Abe were deacons in the Steinbach Mennonite Brethren Church for many years. She also enjoyed numerous hobbies including gardening, golfing, swimming at the Pan Am pool, camping, and she was a voracious reader.

Selma also enjoyed travelling, including a trip to South America to visit Selma’s sister, Anne, who was a missionary in Paraguay. After Abe retired in 1987, Selma and Abe continued to enjoy travelling and visited various locations in the Southern US.

After dad’s sudden passing on May 17, 1993, Selma spent most of her time at home with her sons prior to moving to Fernwood in 2010. At Fernwood, mom enjoyed spending time with numerous friends, meals with her sons, and enjoying the views of the setting sun from her fifth-floor apartment.

As Selma’s health declined, she faced numerous health challenges which she was able to overcome by persevering and trusting in the Lord to provide strength and grace.

Selma was predeceased by her parents, John and Agnes Wiebe, husband Abe, daughter Sandra, son Andrew, sister Anne, sister Hildy, and brothers Jake, John, and Herb.

She is survived by her two sons, Glen and Tim.

We would like to thank Dr. Duerksen, the emergency nurses at Bethesda Regional Health Centre, and the wonderful home care staff at Fernwood for their kindness and compassionate care.

The memorial service will be held on Friday, April 5, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, with reception to follow. To join the family via livestream, please click HERE shortly before the service. 

The interment open to all will take place at Heritage Cemetery, Steinbach, MB., prior to the service at 9:30 a.m. meeting at Birchwood Funeral Chapel for the processional.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mennonite Central Committee.