Jean Gertrude Friesen

Jean Friesen was born in Stratford Ontario on March 10, 1927. She was the youngest of 6 children born to Gertrude and Thomas Whittemore. She was married on September 14,1946 to Herb Friesen of Winkler Manitoba. Together they had 3 children, Lauren, Janet and Barry. They lived in Winnipeg until 1969 when they moved to Surrey BC. They separated in 1980. Jean worked in retail for many years, including Reitman's and D'Allairds. She volunteered as a Sunday school teacher, a chaplain in the hospital, and co-leading a group for newcomers when she moved back to Stratford for a 2 year period. She moved to an assisted living facility in Victoria in 2013. Jean had a series of falls in the last 2 years that considerably weakened her physically but did nothing to dampen her spirit. On March 10, 2017 she celebrated her 90th birthday sharing cake and "bubbly" with the residents of Marrion Village where she lived. Her children and their spouses, Lauren & Phil, Janet & Andy, and Barry & Wendy came from Calgary and Edmonton/Mexico to help her celebrate. At the beginning of April she suffered a series of small strokes and then a major one. She was able to regain consciousness long enough for her children to return to Victoria and spend 2 wonderful days with her, reminiscing and sharing love and laughter. Jean passed away peacefully in her sleep on the afternoon of Sunday, April 9, 2017. She was predeceased by her 5 brothers, Tom, Harry, Len, Eric and Les. She is survived by her 3 children, Lauren, Janet and Barry, 8 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. She is already missed by friends and family. Jean's wishes were to be cremated and have a celebration of life at a later date. Her family is honoring her wishes and is planning to have a celebration of her life in July, the exact date to be determined.