She was born on July 9, 1944, and raised in Fernheim, Paraguay to Russian Mennonite immigrants who had recently helped form a fledgling Mennonite colony. One of ten children, she was expected to work very hard in the blazing sun picking cotton and peanuts, milking cows, butchering chickens, carrying water from the well, cooking everything from scratch and much more. Life was hard for her and all of her neighbors, friends and family.
Gredel dated the boy next door, Henry. Both looking for a better life, she immigrated to British Columbia, Canada and Henry immigrated to Portland, Oregon. They soon reunited and got married in Canada on October 29, 1966. Shortly thereafter the couple made Portland their home and had three children: Carol, Victor and Connie.
The work ethic she learned as a child, coupled with her love of hospitality, helped her find her niche as a housekeeper and caregiver for more than 25 years. She cared for many clients, several of which became close friends, and she earned a reputation as an honest woman who worked very hard and went above and beyond.
Although Gredel (Mom) had many trials throughout her life, she always kept a strong faith in God and valued her daily, morning Bible reading and prayer. She had a cheerful thankful attitude and a good sense or humor with a ready, hearty laugh. She was smart and smart with her money and often said, “Spend wisely, save wisely and give generously.” And, “Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.” She certainly was known to be generous, hospitable, frugal, and was an amazing cook who loved her children and grandchildren and prayed for them daily. She also loved America but was saddened and disturbed by recent events. Mom was taken from us too soon and we will forever treasure our memories of her, thankful to God for the good mother He gave us and for all the years we had with her.
She is survived by a brother, Helmut Goerzen, three sisters, Kathe Epp, Elfrieda Voth, and Magdalena Neufeld, many nieces and nephews, three children, and six grandchildren.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AdvantageGateway.com for the Wiens family.
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