Obituary of Constance Emma Friesen

February 27, 1935 – January 9, 2016 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Constance (Connie) Emma Friesen, with family by her side on January 9, 2016 at the age of 80 in Calgary, AB. Constance was born in Rosthern, SK and lived there until the late 60’s. She then lived in Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Regina, Ottawa and finally Calgary; to be closer to family so they could look after her due to Alzheimer’s. Despite various health problems over the years, Constance lived a very full life. She had a fulfilling career as an Administrator for MLA’s with both the Manitoba and Saskatchewan governments. Constance especially loved to entertain and cook grand dinners for family and friends. Les and Constance were known for their annual “Goose” dinners and many parties around the piano with everyone singing. She had a great thirst to see the world and with her second husband Les and later when he could no longer join her she traveled to over 40 countries and every province in Canada. Constance adored being a Grandma and she was known as Grandy to her adoring grandchildren. She enjoyed taking her grandchildren on trips to Ottawa, Montreal and Niagara Falls; giving them some of her thirst for travel. She was also the ultimate cat lady and many fur kids predeceased her. Constance is survived by her daughters, Sheila Kinzel (Nigel) of Calgary and Shawna Schultz (Mark) of Regina; grandchildren, Scott Robertson (Krista) of Lebret, SK, Rayna Schultz (Josh) and Emma Schultz (Thomas) of Regina; sister-in-law Corinne Friesen of Cranbrook, BC; brother-in-law, Larry Beairsto of Abbotsford, BC; step-children Ruth Kirkpatrick (Donald) of Carp, On, and Gordon Benjamin (Brenda) of Toronto, and their children Keith, John, Blair and Michael in Ontario; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Leslie Benjamin; parents, Emma (Krack) William Friesen; step-father, Peter (P.L) Zacharias; sisters Erna Muir, Beatrice (Arthur) Esau, and Georgia Beairsto; brothers, William and Arthur (Dolores) Friesen. The family would like to thank the many care staff at the Beverly Glenmore Care center in Calgary for their loving care of mom over the last 3 years. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan, 301-2550 12th Avenue Regina, Saskatchewan, S4P 3X1 or http://www.alzheimer.sk.ca. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2016 at 1:00 P.M. at Funk’s Funeral Chapel, 1010 – 7th Street, Rosthern. To honor mom, if possible please wear pink, her favorite colour. Interment of her ashes will take place at the Rosthern Cemetery. Arrangements are in care of Funk’s Funeral Home, Rosthern, SK (306-232-5245, http://www.funksfuneralhome.ca).