Elisabeth Kasdorf
Obituary
Elisabeth (Neufeld) Kasdorf passed away peacefully at the Victoria Hospital on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. She is survived by her husband, John, son Lawrence (Helen) and daughter Erna Wiebe (Ross), grandchildren Heather Engstrom (Michael), Jon Kasdorf (Erica), Heidi Wiebe, Kevin Wiebe (Katelyn). Great-grandchildren Elizabeth Wiebe, Charlie Engstrom, Levi Kasdorf and Callie Kasdorf.
She was predeceased by her parents, seven brothers, two sisters and numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews.
Mom was born in Steinbach Manitoba, December 8, 1935 to Cornelius and Anna Neufeld. Her childhood was spent in Grunthal, Sarto and Austin, MB. Their family was very poor. During her entire childhood they never had running water, indoor plumbing or central heat. Mom worked very hard her entire childhood helping her mom or, once her brothers left home, working with her dad outside which she loved. Clothing was always hand me downs from her brothers until her mom made her a red velvet dress for a school Christmas program when she was 7 years old.
At the age of 14, Mom was sent to work, first in Gladstone as a companion for an elderly lady and then to Winnipeg as a maid for a doctor and his wife. She made $45.00/month much of which was given to her parents to help them make ends meet. Mom and Dad were married when Mom was 18 and so began a nomadic life together which would span 72 years. Lac Du Bonnet, Winnipeg, Saskatchewan, Niverville, Winnipeg, Niverville and finally, in 1992, back to Winnipeg. Mom kept busy in a variety of ways. Five foster children, Eatons in several different roles and MacLeods as a shipping clerk as well as participating in numerous church activities such as Ladies Aid, SS Teacher, choir and cook at youth retreats all kept her busy.
During their final time in Niverville Mom’s health demanded that she take an early retirement. It was a difficult time for her but her spirits were lifted considerably with the addition of CaseCee, her Bichon Frise, that became a cherished member of the family for 18 years.
Mom adored all four of her grandchildren and found any reason to take them for sleepovers when Dad was working long hours. They would make noodles together, bake cinnamon buns, play games outside, pick raspberries, read books and visit Uncle Pete Neufeld at Chicken Chef where he would buy them all ice cream. Camping trips with the family, vacations to Florida and Mexico with the entire family were definite highlights for Mom. She enjoyed travelling with friends and family immensely, especially if it involved camping.
Mom had a heart of service which we saw in many different ways. She loved to cook and bake and sharing this with others is what made her tick.
In 1994 they settled on Saturn Bay where they lived until the decision was made to move into an apartment in 2018.
These were difficult days for mom. She lost her garden and felt inhibited in her small kitchen but she soon found a new community in the Silver Heights Apartments, and it did not take long to become known as the local source of cinnamon buns, fleisch preshi and other delicacies. Her determination to remain independent and contributing to her community remained fierce to the end. Covid in 2022, followed by a stroke in 2023 resulted in a permanent loss of strength. A second bout of cancer in 2025 further sapped her strength resulting in an unfortunate fall causing her final hospitalization and subsequent passing. Mom, you modeled strength, determination and perseverance to all those that knew you. R.I.P.
The memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 8, 2026, 11:30 a.m., at Winnipeg Evangelical Free Church, 500 Lagimodiere Blvd, Winnipeg, MB., with private interment prior to the service.
We would like to thank the staff at Victoria General Hospital, 4 South, for the tender care of our mom while she was there. It did not go unnoticed.
