Elizabeth (Betty) Unger (nee Giesbrecht)

  • Elizabeth (Betty) Unger (nee Giesbrecht)
  • Date of Passing: January 16, 2018
  • Born: May 12, 1927

Obituary

Elizabeth (Betty) Unger of Steinbach, age 90, passed away at Bethesda Place on Tuesday, January 16, 2018. She was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by her daughters and their families: Shirley and Mark Fox – Lindsey and James Parker with Leo and Samson, Caleb and Melissa, and Emma; Valrea and Edwin Peters – Lyle and Karlee with Noah; and Beverly Unger. She is survived by her sisters Sara Kroeker, Agnes Peters, Irene Bergen and brothers Elmer (Doreen) and Rene (Hilda), as well as Harold’s siblings. Betty was predeceased by her husband Harold, daughter Rosalie in infancy, granddaughter Faye, and brother John.

Betty was born on May 12, 1927 in Rosefarm, Manitoba, near Plum Coulee, to Anna (Klassen) and Abram W. Giesbrecht. Growing up during the 1930’s Depression, mom’s childhood and early teen years were filled with hard work, but also happy school and home life memories. Her first paid jobs were being a ‘live in’ maid in both Steinbach and St. Catharine’s, Ontario, working at the Boese Foods Canning Factory in Ontario, and clerking at H.W.Reimer’s General Store.

Betty was baptized upon the confession of her faith on June 30, 1943. Over the years her steadfast faith in God was demonstrated by her gentle spirit, her words and acts of kindness, and her unconditional love for others. She was a member of the Evangelical Mennonite Brethren Church, now Cornerstone Bible Church.

Betty married her sweetheart Harold on August 21, 1949 and was thankful for almost 60 years of marriage. She enjoyed homemaking and caring for her family – cooking, baking, gardening, sewing, knitting and crocheting. Betty loved attending their concerts and sporting events, encouraging them in their life decisions, and praying for each of them daily.

In her spare time, she loved to read and watch sports. She was active in her church’s women’s groups, volunteering at the MCC Thrift Store, and Mennonite Heritage Village and Bethesda Hospital Women’s Auxiliaries.

She and Harold were thankful for many opportunities to travel – relishing the warm sunshine of southern climates in the winters, and spending time with family and friends – participating in trail rides, campfires, and sharing meals and coffee.

In 2003 Betty and Harold moved from their 2nd St. home of 47 years to Bridgepark Village. Condo life suited them well and they thrived in this community setting. After Harold passed away in 2009 and Betty’s health began to decline, she relocated to Bridgepark Manor in 2015, again adjusting well to this new ‘assisted living’ home. She entered the hospital in February 2017 and after 10 1/2 months there became a resident of Bethesda Place, her home for only two weeks. We are thankful for the staff at Bethesda Regional Health Centre and Bethesda Place in caring for our mom

The funeral service will be held on Monday, January 22, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB, with a viewing prior to the service. The burial will follow at Heritage Cemetery, Steinbach, MB.

If friends desire, donations in memory of Elizabeth may be made to the Bethesda Foundation, 316 Henry St., Steinbach, MB R5G 0P9.

Funeral Details

Funeral Service

  • Birchwood Funeral Chapel
  • 162 Highway 52 W, Steinbach
  • Directions: (Google Map)
  • January 22, 2018 - 11:00 am

Cemetery

  • Heritage Cemetery
  • Loewen Boulevard, Steinbach
  • Directions: (Google Map)

Arrangements