Marion Friesen Newman

June 8th, 1920 – December 1, 2012

This is the story of a loving woman, a seeker of knowledge, a natural teacher and a fighter.

Marion was born into hardship on June 8th, 1920, in Marienberg, Germany, the second child and oldest daughter of Heinrich and Helen Friesen. They were devout Mennonites, persecuted for their beliefs.

Her family came to Canada to escape the unimaginable brutality sweeping across Eastern Europe. It was a long voyage by ship, and little Marion was terribly ill. Another trip by train brought them to Saskatchewan.

Early life in Canada was cruel. Harsh winters and summers of drought, scraping out a meager existence.

Grandma Friesen endured many pregnancies, some not successful. Somehow there was always food on the table, clothes on their backs and shoes on their feet. Moving from town to town to find work, the family settled in a log house in Mayfair.

Mom told a story of how she managed to save enough money-- 35 cents-- to buy the cloth to sew her first, new dress. An attempt at making a bathing suit from woolen underwear didn't turn out as planned.

Her life as a caregiver started much too early, but even as a child, Mom accepted her role, guided by the tenets of her faith.

When child-bearing proved to be too difficult for her mother, Marion had to leave school after grade eight and became a second mother to her little brother Art. She even acted as midwife in his birth. Faith in her God helped her persevere.

It was in the church choir in Mayfair that she met Henry Newman. They married on July 18th, 1937. Marion had just turned 17 and they soon began a family of their own. First Richard, then Edward and Betty.

In Coaldale, Alberta, crops like sugar beets were picked to earn money to survive. While living in a rooming house in Lethbridge, Mom learned that a puffer bottle of DDT killed bedbugs. Life was a struggle, and like Scarlett O'Hara, Mom made dresses from curtains - sewn by hand.

More fertile farmland lay to the west. The young family sold antique furniture to help finance moving to BC with their kinfolk.

At the centre of their new home was the First Mennonite Church of Greendale.Their 'starter' home in Greendale consisted of two rooms, shared by Mom and Dad, Dad's parents, Richard, Ed and Betty. Lynda was born, and for a lack of room, slept in a dresser drawer for a short time.

While not ideal, it was home until it was destroyed by fire in 1947. Mom lost her wedding dress, photos, a brand new sewing machine, and keepsakes - but her family was safe.

Henry built another house, and a home for his parents next door. But in 1948, a devastating flood swept the Fraser Valley. With four children and a fifth on the way, the family evacuated to Cultus Lake until the waters receded. The new home, despite saturated by 11 feet of water was salvaged, rebuilt and became a centre for the extended family.

Mom supplemented their limited income by picking crops, selling extra butter, maintaining a huge garden and canning everything possible. When Dad worked out of town, life was even harder. There was sewing, knitting, baking – all to the standards she created for herself. Even though their home was a small one, there was always room for a niece or nephew that need somewhere to stay for a while.

Like many others in the community, Marion found work at York Farms. It might have been seen as menial labour, but she applied her usual high standards, no matter what. Starting as most new employees did - on the belt - she moved on to become forelady and Quality Control officer.

By 1956, Marion's family was complete and soon after, the next generation was on its way. She became a grandmother at the age of 41.

In addition to caring for her family, Henry was plagued with chronic health problems. The health issues of her children were also a concern and we know she prayed frequently for her son Ed.

Where others might have given up, Marion forged ahead, with her faith in God and the teachings of Jesus as a guide to continue. She ensured her children had a Christian up-bringing with Sunday School and church every week, choir practice, sewing circle, bible school, plus her own involvement in the church.

The music of the church gave her children a voice which still plays a role in their lives today. She maintained the practice of saying Grace before every meal. Some versions in German given by the children might not have been exactly word for word, but were good enough for her. While her children might not have adhered as steadfastly to her religious beliefs, she was always a true Christian and forgave their transgressions.

As the family grew and grandchildren arrived, pyjamas were sewn, booties and sweaters knitted, cakes, cookies and zwiebach were baked, food preserved and the larder stocked.

The home in Greendale became a hub for the Newman family. Visitors to Grandma Newman's house spilled over to Marion's home, with cousins, aunts and uncles gathering for meals, friendship or a bed to sleep on.

Despite the never-ending chores of daily life, Mom found some time for relaxation in sewing, stitching, knitting and in the form of road trips.

Camping and fishing with a tent to sleep in gradually moved up to a camper and then a trailer. On one trip to Lac la June in 1967, Mom nearly died in a horrific, freak accident. Her faith, family and knowing she had an 11 year old at home likely helped her to survive.

By 1972, the house in Greendale was suddenly too big. It was time to move into town. First to Beverly Drive, then Cottonwood Court and finally Ascott Estates. She continued her resourceful ways with troops of grandkids, siblings and relatives a part of her life.

She wasn't one to play favourites, but we know she held her friend Mary Friesen dear to her heart. When her son-in-law Don died in a tragic accident in 1978, Marion and Henry were there anytime Lynda needed help with her two children.

Throughout her life, she found time to volunteer, both with the church, the Canadian Red Cross, The Ladies Hospital Auxiliary, and later, Heritage Village.

We have discovered many years of journals and diaries. There are mundane entries about the weather, logs of road trips to the prairies and chronicles of Henry's health. One entry even refers to what must have been a heart attack of Marion's that went undiagnosed and untreated. There are surprisingly candid words of heartbreak, sorrow and even consideration of giving up. But she trusted God would make it right.

Twice in her life she travelled further afield. With encouragement from Sandra, Marion made two trips to Australia-- the first with Henry, the second with Lynda. A life's desire to see England went unfulfilled.

She occasionally spoke of other minor regrets; marrying too young and a desire for more education, even though she took courses, like accounting, when she had a job to do. As a child she had thoughts of becoming a nurse, but was discouraged by her mother. Mom managed the accounting side of Ascott Estates for nearly 25 years - keeping all the books manually. She retired from this job at 90.

As she grew older, her health problems increased. More heart problems, new knees, new hips. Henry died in 1997, just over a month after their 60th wedding anniversary. Her loss was profound. After all the years of caring, she was suddenly alone and felt desolate. She forged ahead, once again finding strength in her belief in God.

No matter how ill, weak or lonely-- if she knew you were coming, there was always coffee, a delicious baked treat or a steaming pot of borscht. Even if she didn't know you were coming she could whip up a meal in a minute. Her small home was full of momentos of a love of family - but everything had a place and she knew exactly where that place was.

Marion lost two good friends within months....her sister-in-law Sue Friesen and Mary. Her loneliness was eased by the siblings around her. Elsie and Ike, Ed and Marie, Bea; and most of all her brother Art, who was her mainstay.

We marvelled at her resilience and strength and inate common sense. Marion loved to read a good story, even late into the night. When she couldn't sleep, she delved into her latest book. She didn't care for romance novels, preferring a story she could learn from.

Naturally inquisitive, she would dissect a goldfish, talk to Sandra on Skype or explore the gadgets on Dianne's iPhone. When her children were too far away, the telephone was the connection. There were many calls, especially from Pat in Red Deer, Alberta.

Her 90th birthday was three days of celebration. We were blessed to share two more birthdays with her. Earlier this year, her damaged heart began to take its toll and she entered the hospital. Despite being very ill for the better part of six months, she never lost her edge.

The staff at Chilliwack General Hospital and Eden Care Centre were quick to realize Marion was a force to be reckoned with, along with her children who came from around the world to be at her side. In her final days, she was given medication with apple sauce. When Sandra tried to coax her to have more apple sauce, she replied ...”I've already had some”.

Her seven children met on November 28th for a final time, as a family unit with a Mother. The First Day of the 12th Month of the year 2012 was to be her last on this earth. There was much music, singing, prayers and many tears. She knew her family was there with her before finally letting go.

She leaves behind a legacy: Seven children, their partners, nine grandchildren and their partners, 17 great grandchildren ...and how to continue living life no matter how hard or dark the road ahead and to look for the silver lining in every cloud.

Our hearts may be heavy, but we take courage in knowing Marion's journey in this life and her fight...have come to a peaceful end.

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NEWMAN, Marion (née Friesen)

June 8, 1920 – December 1, 2012

Loved, honoured and respected. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Marion Newman. Our Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, Cousin and Friend left this world quietly surrounded by family.

Born in Marienberg, Germany the 2nd of 8 children of Heinrich and Helen Friesen, the family settled in Saskatchewan in 1923. In difficult times with very little help, the family struggled through the early years in Canada followed by the Great Depression and its recovery. Marion married Henry Newman in July 1937, and after a time in Saskatchewan and Alberta the young family relocated to Greendale in 1943, where she came to raise 7 children.

Marion met all of life’s challenges with remarkable strength and courage. Her first home in BC was destroyed by fire. Her second home was nearly demolished in the 1948 flood. Through all of this Marion showed great resourcefulness with her legendary baking, canning, gardening and fishing skills, sewing, knitting and nurturing. With a no nonsense attitude, Marion always showed wonderful hospitality and generosity. She and Henry travelled every summer for nearly 30 years and included 2 trips to Australia.

Caring and kind, Marion was a hard worker both within and outside of the family circle, and still found time to volunteer her time in many ways including the Ladies Hospital Auxiliary and at the Heritage Home. She was a long-time member of the First Mennonite Church of Greendale.

Marion is survived by her children, Richard (Bonnie), Edward (Grace) Betty (Ed) Wilson, Lynda McDowell, Sandra (Barry) Bennett, Patricia Newman and Dianne Newman (Brad Copeland), 9 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, her sisters Hester, Mart and Elsie; brothers Art and Ed. Marion was predeceased by Henry after 60 years of marriage; her brothers Hank and Al and her son-in-law Don McDowell.

Our thanks to the staff of Chilliwack General Hospital and Eden Care Centre for their caring of Marion in her last difficult days.

Peace at Journeys End.