Elfrieda Hildebrandt
Obituary
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our dear wife, mother, and grandmother, Elfrieda June Hildebrandt (née Penner). Elfrieda, age 71 of Landmark, Manitoba passed away peacefully on October 7, 2025 at Bethesda Regional Health Centre surrounded by her family. Her journey with cancer was lengthy, and yet the ending came quickly, for which we are grateful.
Elfrieda is survived by her beloved husband of 43 years, David and their 3 children: Matthew (Tabitha), Elena (Travis), and Andrew (Danielle), as well as their 9 grandchildren: Anaya, Oliver, Ephraim, Adelaide, Eloise, Emmerson, Locklynn, Oakley, and Bodie. She also leaves behind her 6 siblings Jessie (Menno), Edna, Elden (Annie), Annie (Abe), Roland (Connie), and Florence, and her in-laws Martie (Jim), Hildie, and Lydia (Randy), as well as numerous nephews, nieces, and friends.
Elfrieda was predeceased by her daughter Erin, her grandson Felix, 6 “angel” grandbabies, her parents Martin and Justina Penner, 2 brothers in infancy, her parents-in-law George and Mary Hildebrandt, and 2 brother-in-laws Ruben Plett and Bernie Dupas.
Elfrieda grew up in Ridgewood on the farm with her large, loving family. She spoke of her childhood with only fond memories, and said she realized as an adult that they maybe didn’t have much but that they had everything they needed and that she always knew that others had less. Everyone worked hard helping with chores on the farm, garden, and household, but there was time for fun too and she had fond memories of time spent playing with her neighbour and cousin/best friend Delbert. As a young adult, her kind and caring nature led her to become a competent nurse; a career that she enjoyed until 2010 when she was diagnosed with chronic leukemia and it was advised she stop working. She especially loved working with the elderly, providing dignity and respect to those in their last days. Many have told us how they appreciated her as their nurse and co-worker. Mom also took a year off of nursing to do schooling at Steinbach Bible College which was important to her. She also enjoyed many trips with friends, sisters, and her Aunt Sarah. She especially enjoyed spending time in Paraguay with her sister Edna, helping with nursing missions there. Elfrieda met David through her sister Annie’s wedding, as both Elfrieda and David were in the wedding party. Not long after, they were married themselves on March 6, 1982. They had a beautiful 43 years together, raising their 3 children, and mourned the loss of one twin daughter in infancy. Elfrieda was a supportive farmer’s wife, and continued nursing as she also raised her children who were her pride and joy. As the family grew to include in-laws, and grandbabies, Mom’s love and care only grew. She put us above all else, always willing to cancel appointments or anything if we needed her. Elfrieda also had a terrific sense of humour and loved to laugh. She spent countless hours on the phone just laughing with her sisters, and her best friend Elsie. Elfrieda had a determined, sometimes even stubborn nature which helped her through life’s trials. She was born with a genetic condition which affected her muscle movement called Ataxia-Telangiectasia, which became more apparent during adolescence. We didn’t talk about it a lot, as it did not limit her in any way, or at least she didn’t allow it to. Elfrieda experienced many different types of cancer over the last 17 years, and many never would have even known. She did not complain, and she never questioned why her. She handled her journey with cancer with her typical quiet strength, sense of humour and strong faith; always trusting the One who held her hand.
Elfrieda had a huge heart for the vulnerable, and less privileged. She was not quick to judge and believed the best in others. She was very generous. Even in her final days in the hospital when confusion was starting to set in, she had concern over someone who needed more than just prayer, an Indigenous baby, and asked if someone couldn’t bring Karen a meal. We don’t doubt that these expressions had perfect context in her mind. A few weeks prior to her passing, a young pregnant woman had approached Elfrieda for help in a restaurant, and Elfrieda, though she could hardly walk, brought this lady to the till and insisted she order anything she wanted. That’s who she was.
Elfrieda did not feel ready to leave us and yet assured us she had complete peace about heaven and assurance of her salvation. She will leave an unimaginable hole in our lives, but we know she is rejoicing in heaven with her Saviour, and many family members.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB, with interment to follow at Prairie Rose EMC, Landmark, MB. Viewing will be held an hour prior to the service at 1 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB.
Special thanks to the kind and compassionate care we all received at Bethesda Regional Health Centre, especially Dr. Jawanda, nurses Carol and Corie, health care aide Barb, and unit clerk Olga.
