Obituary of Caroline Friesen

Caroline June Friesen (née Ens), 83, of Saskatoon, SK, went peacefully to be with her Lord on November 18, 2021 at Royal University Hospital surrounded by family.

She was born Feb. 5, 1938 in Rosthern, SK to George and Agnes Ens and was the 4^th oldest of six children.  She grew up on the family farm in the Horse Lake district, north of Duck Lake. She received her formal education at the rural school of Lac Cheval.

Mom was a devout Christian. In her early years, she accepted Christ as her saviour and was baptized upon Confession of Faith at the Horse Lake Rosenort Mennonite Church by pastor John G. Remple.  Mom never waivered in her faith and it formed the fabric of our family and sustained her throughout her life.

As a young woman, mom moved to Saskatoon where she met the love of her life, Paul Friesen. They were married on July 4^th in 1959 and shared 62 loving years together. They shared a strong faith and were longtime members of Nutana Park Mennonite Church. Together they raised two daughters: Joanne and Laurie. Mom was a full-time homemaker and she worked tirelessly to nurture a loving and joyful family home.

Mom loved gardening and had many beautiful flowers. She especially grew amazing gladiolas and peonies which we enjoyed every summer in lush bouquets.

We have many happy memories of going on family holidays. We went on many camping trips to the mountains and enjoyed hiking, campfires and the beauty of nature. Mom loved to plan and she worked hard to make these special times for the family; often preparing well in advance. This would build a sense of excitement for us kids. The times we spent together on these trips are treasured by the whole family. We also enjoyed many family gatherings, backyard BBQs and picnics which she always made very special.

Mom and Dad enjoyed a full, rich life together. After Dad retired, they did a lot of travelling and made numerous trips to Florida and Arizona. Most of all, mom enjoyed spending more time with her children and grandchildren. She took great interest in the activities and achievements of her grandsons Robin and Bretton; in particular their music, recitals, band concerts and swimming.

Mom and Dad moved to Bethany Manor in February of 2007. Here she made many friends and appreciated their company and fellowship. She loved music and shared her gift in many ways including participating in the Bethany choir, playing the Q-chord in the Bethany orchestra and for sing-a-long evenings and also playing the ukelele in the ukelele group. Music was a a form of worship and service to God for her and she spent many hours playing hymns on the keyboard. Her talent for music is extraordinary and entirely self-taught. She taught herself to play the pump organ as a child on the farm and played for church and school programs. Later in life, she taught herself to play many different instruments.

Mom suffered a heart attack in 2007 and her health gradually started to fail. Worsening heart disease and fractured vertebrae from osteoporosis confined her to a wheelchair and encroaching blindness robbed her of many pleasures. Her courage and positive spirit in the face of crippling pain and debilitating disease was an inspiration to all who knew her and a testament to her faith in God. She always maintained a cheerful attitude and would have a smile on her face. She is the bravest person I know.

In her passing from life, she leaves to mourn: her loving husband, Paul Friesen; daughter and son-in-law Joanne and Howard Love of Saskatoon; daughter and son-in-law, Laurie and Ken Friesen of Saskatoon; grandson Robin Love (fiancé Nazanin Mohammadzadeh) of Edmonton, AB and grandson Bretton Love of Saskatoon, SK; sisters Doris Klym of Saskatoon and Ethel Lee of Kelowna, BC; brothers Louie (Joan) Ens of Warman, SK and Ron (Lois) Ens of Osler, SK; as well as many nephews and nieces. She is predeceased by her parents George and Agnes (née Boese); brother Norman and sister-in-law Vicki Ens; and brother-in-law George Klym.

Carol Friesen is at home with the Lord. We will miss her dearly.

A service to celebrate her life will be held at Nutana Park Mennonite Church, 1701 Ruth St., East, Saskatoon, SK on Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. During this time, it is requested that you have been vaccinated and wear a mask if you plan to attend the service.  A livestream link will be avaliable closer to the time of the service at funksfuneralhome.ca.

Arrangements entrusted to Funk’s Funeral Home, Rosthern, SK (306) 232-5245. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) https://mcccanada.ca/