Marie Friesen (nee Penner)

Obituary

Marie Friesen, age 87, of Steinbach, Manitoba, passed away on Monday, July 27, 2026.

Mom was born on July 28, 1938, to Jacob and Margaretha Penner. She was the last child of 13, to the surprise of her siblings. Mom married Jake Friesen in August of 1962, and they started their life together. They began this journey together in Winnipeg, Manitoba but later moved to Steinbach where they lived most of their lives. Mom had several jobs throughout her life, most notably were as a receptionist for Dr Eastwood, working at Pioneer Inn serving breakfast and lunch to many locals, and lastly at Bethsaida Hospital at the front desk. But none of those jobs were more than that, jobs. Her family is what gave her joy.

She leaves behind her husband of almost 64 years, Jake Friesen. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Les Friesen (wife Lisa), Diane Koop (husband Ernie), Keith Friesen (wife Kristine), Sharon Heppner (husband Bill). She would say she was greatly blessed by her grandchildren who will mourn her passing: Dale Friesen (wife Carlie), Mike Koop (wife Jaycia), Chris Koop (wife Katie), Beth Heppner, Luke Heppner (wife Kassidy) and five sweet great-grand children, Rylee, Sawyer, Nixon, Oaklee and Selah.

She was predeceased by her daughter-in-law Sheila Friesen. She was also predeceased by most of her siblings and their spouses, except her stubbornest of them all, her brother Cornie and his lovely wife Helen.

Mom would say she had a good life, not easy but filled with many joys. The thing that determined her life were her faith, first and foremost. She loved her Saviour and sought to serve Him and impart that faith to her family. She loved to read her Bible and enjoyed her ladies Bible study with Sue Nichols and later a couples life group from the Free Church where they attended. She could be found reading her Bible often.

But the place she poured herself into was her family. She loved her kids and her grandkids deeply. To the measure that at her 80th birthday party, we all claimed we were her favourite!

She also had a special relationship with many of her nieces and nephews. She always enjoyed family gatherings even when she was the only Aunt that came. She felt so blessed to have come from such a big family with so many wonderful nieces and nephews, (who might also argue who was her favourite).

Another blessing she had was a lifetime best friend. Edna Forde and her shared a life of friendship. They moved in across the street from one another and seemingly just clicked. They raised their kids together, went to church together and went to the gym together. It was a beautiful friendship.

Speaking of the gym, she went to the gym 3x’s a week for 26 years. She was always trying to stay healthy. When she broke her hip, her goal was to return to the gym. After a lengthy hospital stay in 2022, she wondered if she would be able to return but return she did. Thank you, Greta and the Fitness Zone, for supporting her all those years.

So, while we grieve her passing, we are at peace because we know she has gone home to see her Savour. She left a legacy of faith and of loving her family well.

We would like to thank our sister-in-law Kristine for her gentle care of our mother, navigating her complicated health. We also want to thank Dr. Longbottom for the gentle care of her. A very special thank you to the wonderful nurses and health care aides that took such good care of her these past months.

A come & go viewing will be held Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 7:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m., at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, Manitoba.

The memorial service will be held on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, Manitoba.