Elsie Mary Froese

She was predeceased by her husband, Frank, her parents, Abram and Agatha Paetkau, siblings Agatha, Albert and Harold. Left with many memories and her legacy are her siblings, Abe, (Martha) and Amanda, her children, Carolyn Koop (Bill), Howard (Sheryl), Robert (Dianne) and Ken (Heidi), eleven grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

Her family emigrated from South Russia to Canada in 1923 and Elsie was born December 25, 1926 in Waldheim Saskatchewan. In 1929 her family moved to start farming in Glenbush, Saskatchewan. In 1948 the family moved to farm in Elm Creek, Manitoba. Elsie attended Bethany Bible Institute from 1945 -1947.

She spent several summers in teacher training and in 1952 she obtained her teaching certificate in Saskatoon SK. From 1947 to 1951 she taught in Waseca, SK and other locations in Saskatchewan and Elm Creek, Manitoba. In 1954 she graduated and received her Bachelor of Religious Education degree from Mennonite Brethren Bible College (MBBC) in Winnipeg. Elsie met Frank while attending MBBC and they married August 27, 1954 in the Elm Creek MB church. In 1959 the family settled in Winnipeg. They established their home in Winnipeg, first on Aubrey St, then East Kildonan and North Kildonan in 1970. Elsie devoted her energy to being a mother to Carolyn, Howard, Robert and Kenneth.

Elsie’s favourite pastimes were cooking, baking, canning fruits and pickles, sewing clothes for her children, gardening, reading, crocheting and entertaining friends and relatives. The family attended River East MB Church. She was well known for her hospitality and delicious meals.

Elsie returned to teaching grade 1 in 1973 for the next seven years. When Frank retired from teaching in 1988, they moved to Abbotsford, BC. New friends, and fellowship were established here. They were active members at the Northview Community Church. Frank and Elsie learned to love travelling during this time. There were trips to Calgary, Coaldale and Outlook SK to visit family. Other trips included Florida, Australia, Germany, Malaysia, Palm Springs, Alaska, Maui and Mexico.

In 1995 they moved to Horn St where they spent many enjoyable years with friends in the Creekside Community where she enjoyed a Ladies’ Bible Study. She also enjoyed her weekly volunteering at the MCC Thrift Store for 15 years.

In 2004, a week short of their 50th Anniversary, Frank had a stroke and passed away September 12. While Frank was deeply missed, Elsie continued to live a full life. She cared deeply for each member of the family, through prayers, cards, and encouraging words. Faith, family and friends were central to her life. She spoke openly of her love for Jesus and His word. Her desire for each of her children and grandchildren was to know and love God as well.

As her health needs changed, she moved to several different Abbotsford facilities, where she was under their loving care. In 2019, her final move was to Menno Hospital, where she demonstrated to everyone how to be gracious and positive under circumstances she couldn’t control. Her faith in Jesus sustained her in these times. Elsie, often sitting quietly to the side, enjoyed the weekly Zoom calls as she listened to family share their stories.

While we miss our beloved mother, we do not mourn as those without hope, but rejoice with confidence, knowing she has been welcomed into the arms of her Heavenly Father.

A memorial service for Elsie will be held Friday, May 6, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 2310 Clearbrook Road, Abbotsford, BC V2T2X5.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodlawnfh-abbotsford.com for the Froese family.

For those wishing to view the service, you can do so at the following link:

https://funeraweb.tv/diffusions/52896