Doreen Ida Friesen

 

    Doreen was born in Pincher Creek, mostly growing up on a farm. With her two younger brothers.

    As well as numerous other cousins, all related through the Hahn and Steinke names.

    Huge family picnics could and usually would be held regularly on a moment notice by Grandma Hahn, this is where Doreen would draw on for her sense of a family connection.

    Later in Pincher Creek, Doreen did learn to play the piano, which was great later on as she filled in as a pianist at the Fort Macleod Lutheran Church.

    In the later 1950’s Grand-dad Henry, moved the family to Fort Macleod. This is where Doreen would meet and marry Cleon. They raised 3 sons; Robert, David and Glen.

    For a couple years she worked at the CIBC bank as a teller.

    Doreen always excelled at making big Christmas meals for visiting relatives. I have to mention her world-famous shortbread cookies and Nanaimo bars. Any that were lucky to taste these know what I am talking about.

    On occasions, our family vacations would include meeting up the Chruniks. Even though we all managed to have fun, Doreen, Lillian and Trish made it their main priorities to shop. (shop till you drop). You had to see this to appreciate this term. Around Leduc there was no Mall that was safe. 10- 12hrs later they would return with the car loaded with the new purchases. There also were no sports cars that could match the speed of the Super 88 car we had, even in downtown Edmonton driving.

    A fond memory I have, is when Doreen would host a monthly Ladies Aid church group. She always made the best egg salad sandwiches.

    Later she would find employment at Trailer factory (at the Airport) as a janitor. ( I remember helping to clean that place on the weekends. Hahaha!)

    And a short term at the Treasury branch, also at FP Walshe school (cafeteria). Also, she happened to get us free burgers there as she was not at home to make us lunch.

    Staying involved in the Lutheran church, was major theme in her life as a way of staying connected. Around 1980 Doreen and Cleon moved to Lethbridge. And mom joined Immanuel Lutheran Church. Which is where she has been an active participant, until the present time. Helping out as needed.

    For several years Doreen was employed at Green Haven Garden Centre working for Karen Barby. Doreen took pride in learning to care for different types of plants that the greenhouse would have to supply. Even after retiring from Green Haven she would return every year to visit the staff.

    For several years she and sister-in-law (Thelma) belonged to a bowling league. The bowling team still gets together for lunches out.

    Another one of her favorite pass times attending Bingo’s and playing Aggravation for hours on end with Thelma.

    In 1990 she was rewarded with the first grand child, Bryce. In the next few years welcoming Deidra, Adam and Jackie.

    After Cleon’s passing in 2013, Doreen took up travelling. Meeting and learning about relatives in Germany (2 trips). Bus trips to the northern states, Las Vegas – Seattle. Two more guided tours of England and Scotland and Cruise through the Panama Canal as well as Hawaii. She became quite the world traveller. After selling her house Doreen moved over to BlackRock, taking in most of the guided tours and shopping trips that were provided there. (even participating in a fashion show there). With failing health, she was accepted to St Therese Villas and had been a resident for the past 3 years until her passing.

     Funeral plans will be for the immediate family at this time due to Covid-19 regulations, but we invite you in celebrating Doreen's life by joining us for the service via live-stream. Saturday, February 20, 2021 at 10:45 AM. A  link will appear beneath this obituary to click on. The service will begin at 11:00 AM.

    Memorial service gathering will be this spring/summer. To be announced. 

 

 

She will be missed

 

  Doreen Ida Friesen (nee- Richardt)'s family

 

Parents:

Ida and Henry Richardt  (deceased)

Siblings:

Elmer Richardt (deceased), (Eva)

Melvin Richardt (deceased), (Patricia – Theo).

Children:

Robert (Lori) Friesen

David Friesen

Glen Friesen (Elsie)

Niece: Laura Sommerfeld.

Grandchildren:

Bryce (Danielle) Friesen

Deidra Friesen

Adam Friesen

Jacqueline Friesen

Great Grandchildren:

Parker

Denver

 

 

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