Gwendolyn Fern Giesbrecht

Gwendolyn Fern Regehr Giesbrecht was born on May 15, 1948 at Swalwell, AB, to Jacob T. and Eva Regehr. Jesus took her to her heavenly home on the evening of Friday, February 22, 2019, at the age of 70.

Gwen was the second of seven children, growing up at Linden AB and the surrounding area. As a young teenager, Gwen gave her heart to Jesus and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite at Linden, AB. Throughout her life she was known for her tender heart and desire for truth and living for God.

She was sixteen when she left Alberta for the first time and moved with her family from Crooked Creek, AB, to Abbotsford, BC.

Gwen married Wayne Giesbrecht on March 25, 1967, at Mt. Lehman, BC. Four children were born to their home: Bradford, Patrick, Marsha, and Shauna. They were married for fifty-one years. She was delighted to celebrate their fiftieth wedding anniversary with many family and friends.

They lived in the Mt. Lehman area until 1979 when they started a new adventure on a ranch in Rock Creek, BC. Gwen led a busy life helping with the cattle operations and raising the family. She had a flock of chickens, a big garden, and a large pantry to feed us and the many people who came through to visit. After several years, they returned to the Mt. Lehman area. She was a “stay at home mom” till the children were grown. Before and after the children were grown she enjoyed her different jobs in accounting. Several years ago Gwen and Wayne spent fifteen rewarding months as hosts at Halifax Haven Guest House, Halifax, Nova Scotia, where they ministered to the families of hospital patients with joy and passion, spreading friendship and God’s love to a wide circle of people.

Five years ago, Gwen was diagnosed with cancer. She fought the battle bravely and made the most of the positive things along the way. She was thankful for the support and prayers of her many friends, and in turn inspired us all with her courage. She told us she never struggled with the thought of “why me?”.

Gwen was a person who valued relationships and knew no strangers. Wherever she lived, Gwen built lifelong friendships with her neighbours. She will always be remembered for her sense of humour, her pluck and determination, and her gracious love of people.

Left to mourn are: Gwen’s husband, Wayne, children: Bradford and Donna, Patrick and Summer, Marsha and Sheldon Reimer, Shauna and Jason Wiebe and fifteen grandchildren; her mother Eva Regehr, brothers: Doug and Elaine Regehr, Ken and Brenda Regehr, Ralph and Carol Regehr, Brian and Sheila Regehr, Blaine and Sandra Regehr, and sister: Karen and Dalys Thiessen; brothers-in-law Harold and Irene Wiebe, Alfred and Elsie Giesbrecht, Clarence and Jean Giesbrecht, Rodney and Marlene Giesbrecht, sisters-in-law: Doreen Goossen, Eileen and Leo Loetkeman, Margaret and Les Wilson, and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her father, Jacob Regehr.

Special thanks to the staff at Home Health Care, Palliative Care at Abbotsford Regional Hospital, and Holmberg House Hospice for their outstanding care.

Funeral services were held 2 March 2019 at the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, Abbotsford BC.

Interment at Maclure Rd Mennonite Cemetery, Abbotsford BC.