Hilda Friesen

Hilda was born to Peter and Anna Unger in New-York, Russia. Hilda’s first adventure happened shortly after she turned two when the family left their home in Russia and arrived at St John’s, Newfoundland on January 1st, 1927. Their adventures continued across Canada until they arrived in Coaldale, Alberta in April 1928. The Unger family settled here and continued to grow with the arrival of several sisters. Hilda’s childhood was full of friendships, laughter, and celebrations. She cherished her parents, siblings and extended family greatly.

After completing her Grade 8 education, Hilda moved to the Ross family ranch where she happily served and assisted the family wherever she was needed. It’s no surprise that she was welcomed and embraced as one of their own. After several years with the Ross’, and knowing there was more to explore, Hilda ventured to Abbotsford, BC to attend Bible College. It was during this time she met her future husband Dave. They married in Coaldale on a gorgeous Wednesday afternoon in September 1949. After honeymooning at the Empress Hotel in Victoria, Dave and Hilda settled in Mission to raise their family of three: Brenda, Rod and Margo.

Hilda loved being a wife and mother and serving those around her. She took great joy in gardening, sewing, crocheting, cooking, and baking. One of her gifts was hospitality, and she routinely opened their home to all those who wished to join in sharing a strong, hot, cup of coffee and a most delicious, fresh baked treat.

She enjoyed her life and involvement in the United Mennonite Church where she taught Sunday School, helped with Wayfarers (Girls Club), and Daily Vacation Bible school, as well as cooked and served meals for the various special occasions at church. One of the highlights of her week was spending Thursday evenings with friends at Naehverein (Sewing Circle).

In 1975, after listening to a missionary’s message expressing the many needs in other countries, Dave and Hilda felt called overseas, and moved to Jhika Gali, Pakistan, to serve as house parents at Murree Christian School. Here they cared for 40 young elementary school boys. It was two years filled with incredible people and life-changing experiences that were never forgotten...a blessing that still continues.

They returned to Mission and settled back in their old home for several years before moving to one of their most favourite happy places: Sorrento BC. Hilda often expressed that the years at Shuswap Lake were her most peaceful, most relaxing, and most joyful. Life just fell into place here. The doors of their humble yet stunningly situated lakeside home were wide open to family and friends, young and old, new and forever. ALL were welcomed and Hilda continued to serve with an unconditional love to everyone who dropped by.

After the passing of her faithful Dave in 2008, Hilda sadly agreed that a move was necessary, so she relocated to Chilliwack, BC and began once again in the beautiful community of Garrison Crossing. Here she continued to try new things, spend time with family and host others whenever she could.

With the incredible assistance from the lovely Care Aides from Fraser Valley Home Support, she was able to live independently until she was almost 95. With a gentle nudge, our dear, sweet, compliant Hilda moved into the Chilliwack Lifestyles Residence where she was looked after with amazing love and care by staff and community support. Her final earthly move came about as her needs increased and the Bradley Centre welcomed her for 8.5 months. Once again, she received warm and tender care from the wonderful staff and volunteers. As her family, we are deeply grateful for all those who supported and generously showed grace and respect to mom in her last few years. You are all appreciated!

Hilda is survived by her beloved children, Brenda (Hratch) Baghdassarian, Rod (Susan) Friesen, Margo (Mark) Hryciw, her treasured grandchildren, Natasha (Zech) Prinz, Hovan (Christine) Baghdassarian, Brett (Nicole) Hryciw, and Avalon (Aaron) Wauthy, and most precious great grandchildren, Izaiah and Vahé Prinz, Elijah and Nishan Baghdassarian, Bradley and Sienna Wauthy and Theodore Hryciw. As well, she is survived by her wonderful sisters, Louise Epp, Anne Tetzlaff, Laura (Eric) Dick, and Trudy (Henry) Krahn. She was predeceased by her loving husband David Friesen, and dear siblings Mary Dyck, Helen Mantler, Peter Unger, and Frieda Nickel.

A private memorial will take place sometime in the near future when she will be laid to rest with her Dave in Sorrento, BC.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hendersonsfunerals.com for the FRIESEN family.