Lucy Christina Neufeld

Lucy was born to Peter and Mary (Derksen) Brown on April 29, 1936, and grew up on the family farm outside of Morden, Manitoba. She was the youngest of five siblings. Her family loved to sing, with Lucy’s older sisters performing as “The Brown Trio”. Although Lucy wasn’t old enough to join the trio, she was also a talented singer.

Through a mutual connection, Lucy met John Neufeld. As Lucy lived in Manitoba and John lived in Alberta, their relationship began with corresponding by mail, which eventually led to in-person visits. They fell in love and were married on October 7, 1961, at Bethel Mennonite Church in Winnipeg.

Their first home was temporary - a motel in Crowsnest Pass, Alberta - where they lived while John worked in construction. For most of their married life, they resided in Winnipeg, spending the last 41 years in their home at the edge of the city, overlooking the prairie.

Lucy and John welcomed three children - Rhonda, Darrell, and Brian.

Rhonda lived with the effects of thalidomide and began receiving care at St. Amant Centre in Winnipeg at age 10.

Over the years, Lucy spent time working as a telephone operator at the Winnipeg Municipal Hospital, cleaning homes for some of Winnipeg’s affluent entrepreneurs, and eventually earning a license to drive the “big rigs”, which she did alongside John for about five years. Lucy’s most meaningful work was caring for her children and grandchildren.

Lucy and John together faced the immeasurable loss of all their children - Brian in 1985, Rhonda in 1991, and Darrell in 1995.

Lucy and John were married for over 64 years. Sustained by their strong faith, they lived through immense tragedy, continuing to be committed and loving to each other through it all.

Lucy will be remembered as an elegant woman, a good friend to many, and always ready to help someone in need.

Lucy leaves to mourn her husband John, grandchildren Shaun and Emily, in-laws and spouses Liz Ens, (Rose) Neufeld, Edith (Bill) Unrau, Louise (Tex) Wiebe, (Glenda) Neufeld, and Jack (Anna Mae) Neufeld, many nieces, nephews, and friends, and sweet pup Montana and cats Kangaroo and Rubicon.

She was predeceased by her children Rhonda, Darrell, and Brian, parents Peter and Mary Brown, parents-in-law Abram and Mary Neufeld, siblings and spouses Dorothy (Neil) Penner, Eileen (Pete) Wall, Lavina Brown, and Menno Brown, and in-laws and spouses Mary (Bill) Friesen, Abe (Bernice) Neufeld, Kathy (Melvern) Epp, (Abram) Ens, Lee (Ed) Lepp, Dave Neufeld, and Peter Neufeld.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.