Elizabeth Janzen (nee Thiessen)

1923 – 2006

On Saturday, June 17, 2006 at Boundary Trails Health Centre, Elizabeth Janzen (nee Thiessen) aged 83 years, went to her eternal rest.

Elizabeth was born to her parents Abram D. and Margaretha Thiessen in Mexico on May 19, 1923.  At the age of 4, her family returned to Manitoba.  She grew up in Blumenstein/Chortitz area, being 3rd in a family of 17 children.  Upon confession of her faith, she was baptized by Bishop Jacob Froese and became a member of the Old Colony Mennonite Church.  She was united in marriage with Peter A. Janzen on October 31, 1948 and shared almost 58 years together.  They were blessed with 6 children.

After living in various places in southern Manitoba, they moved to Bolivia in 1966 for 10 months.  They returned to Canada and resided in Blumenfeld for many years.  Mom enjoyed gardening, especially her flowers.  Her grandchildren were very dear to her.  She crocheted an afghan for each one.  Mom and Dad moved to Winkler in 1996 and enjoyed many long walks together.  Soon after our parents moved to Lion’s Court in 2005, mom suffered a stroke.  Losing her independence was very hard on her.  In February of this year, she was diagnosed with cancer.  Because of her strong Christian faith, she accepted this well, mentioning she had had a long and relatively healthy life.  On April 16th she was admitted to Boundary Trails Health Centre where she spent the rest of her days until passing away at 9:00 am on June 17.

Mom very much appreciated all visitors, especially her siblings and in-laws.  She expressed her gratitude for the excellent care she received.  Two days before her passing, mom commented that the care was so good she could hardly be sick.

She will be dearly missed by her beloved husband Peter A. Janzen; 3 daughters Margaret and Erwin Regier, Anna and Harry Hoeppner, all of Plum Coulee, Lisa and Ben Unrau of Winkler; 3 sons Abe and Helen of Winkler, Pete and Mary of Morden, Jake and Margaret of Winkler; 23 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild and 10 siblings.  We look forward to reuniting in heaven.

She was predeceased by her parents; 3 sisters and 3 brothers.

An Old Colony funeral service was held on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 2:00 pm at Reinland Mennonite Church with Bishop Peter Elias and Rev. John Wiebe officiating.  Interment followed at Blumenfeld Cemetery.

A heart-felt thanks is expressed to the homecare personnel, hospital staff, ministerial, pallbearers, ushers, song leaders, serving ladies, church custodians, soundman, Wiebe Funeral Home and to all who encouraged the Janzen family in any way.  May God bless you all.  The Janzen family.

If friends so desire, donations may be made to Boundary Trails Health Centre Palliative Care Unit Box 2000 Winkler, MB R6W 1H8.

Wiebe Funeral Home, Winkler in care of arrangements.