Katharina (Friesen) Dyck

Passed away quietly at her home in the MacGregor Health Care Centre on the morning of Sunday, May 5, 2019 at the age 83 years. She was born to David and Katharina (nee Berg) Friesen, March 14, 1936 in Cuauhtémoc, Chihuahua, Mexico, and moved with her family to Canada in 1938.
            Kathy was predeceased by her beloved husband Jacob, son Edward, and grandson Justin.  She is survived by 5 sons, Ernie, Phil, Ray, Ron, and Andy. She is Oma to 12 and Great Oma to 6.  She is also survived by 3 sisters and 3 brothers, 10 brothers and sisters in law, and many nieces and nephews, 
            Kathy had many hobbies and interests including ceramics and macramé, and was a prolific knitter and crocheter.  She loved reading, travelling, boating, and fishing with Jacob, who was allowed to come along and steer the boat.  Among so many other interests, her biggest love was helping children.  After raising 6 sons, Kathy and Jacob fostered another 36 children as emergency caregivers.
            Jake and Kathy moved numerous times, including from Manitoba to B.C. then back to Manitoba, and again after a number of years to B.C, and Saskatchewan.  Their last move together was to Ontario, where, after a few years, Jacob passed away.  Kathy moved back to Manitoba in 2007 
            Their family was of utmost importance to them, and many of their moves were so they could be close to one of their kids, and they traveled frequently to visit the others.
            Wherever they moved, finding a church to attend was a priority.  They were always active members and formed many friendships in each place.  Being a social couple, there were many invitations for meals, taking people for fishing or sightseeing trips, and sharing of produce from the inevitable gardens they had.  Another passion was camping, and they covered many miles to many lakes, travelling with their camper, and sometimes taking their boat as well.  One long trip was to Mexico, children included, visiting aunts, uncles, and a lot of cousins.
            Another long trip was to the Maritimes, to visit one of their sons, and stay for awhile to enjoy the life in Nova Scotia.
            Jacob and Kathy did a lot of their work as a team, cooking as well as other chores, and this caused a big void in her life after Jacob died.  They had celebrated 50 years of marriage in the summer of 2006, and he died in November of that year.
            When Kathy moved back to Manitoba, she again found a church to attend, renewed old friendships, made a garden, and volunteered at the local MCC Thrift store.  She was always busy with something, and found meaning and purpose in these activities, even as her memory slowly started to deteriorate.
            Though we grieve the loss of one who has played a huge role in our lives, we are happy to know that she is now free of pain and in a much better place.

            Our family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the staff of the MacGregor Health Care Centre who have dedicated so many hours to the care of our mother.

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