Vivian Thiessen
October 29, 1920 – December 31, 2018
Vivian Thiessen passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 31, 2018 at the age of 98 years at Spruce Manor Special Care Home in Dalmeny, SK.
Vivian was born October 29, 1920 in Langham, Sask. to David and Sarah (Dekker) Derksen. The arrival of her brother, Leslie, completed the family. She attended Ilford School and took her grades 9 and 10 at Langham High School. In 1939, Vivian married Abe W. Thiessen after which they became baptized members of the Langham Zoar Church. Farming was their occupation of choice. They settled on the Peter J. Thiessen family farm west of Hepburn. God blessed them with four children including a set of twins. Vivian taught Sunday School and was involved with a girls’ club, 4-H sewing and First Ladies Aid.
In June 1970, Vivian lost her husband and the “love of her life” to a fatal heart attack. This was such a shock to her and the family. God was good directing Vivian on to a new chapter in her life. Upon being offered employment at the Langham Seniors Home as assistant cook, she moved to Langham. Some years later, Vivian moved to Saskatoon and was employed at Textile Bargain fabric centre, Kresge’s, MCC depot and the gift shop at City Hospital. Vivian’s transfer of church membership to First Mennonite in Saskatoon allowed her to make many new friends, get involved in the Ladies Aid and enjoy countless hours quilting for MCC groups. Vivian had the opportunity to travel to Australia, Italy and Hong Kong as well as numerous trips to Regina, Calgary and Toronto visiting her children and grandchildren.
Her family grew from a loving husband and four children to subsequently include nine grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren and four great, great grandchildren. She often remarked “how blessed” her life had been. God is good.
Vivian is survived by her daughter Donelda (Clarence) Krause of Regina, daughter Lorietta “Rita” Klein of Hepburn, son Larry (Linda) Thiessen of Calgary and daughter Sheila (Ron) Klein of Fresherton, Ont. She is also survived by her grandchildren Cheryl, Geoff, Kenton, Lorie, Lesley, Stacey, Shaun, Chris & Meghan. Her great grandchildren are Kaya, Noah, Tessa, Taylor, Michael, Curtis, Kimberley, Sydney, Josh, Samantha, Ryan, Dylan, Lily, Charlotte, Hailey & Audrey. Her great great grandchildren are Brody, Becky, Chanelle & Karsynne. She was predeceased by her brother Leslie, her parents David & Sarah (Dekker) Derksen, her husband Abe and her son-in-law Edward Klein.
The family thanks the staff at Spruce Manor Special Care Home in Dalmeny for the wonderful care provided.
A celebration of Vivian’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, January 5, 2019 at the Dalmeny Funeral Home, 139 3rd Street, Dalmeny, SK with chaplain Lori Wall officiating. Family and friends are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations to Spruce Manor Special Care Home, Box 190, Dalmeny, SK, S0K 1E0 would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Stefan Funk, DALMENY FUNERAL HOME (306-254-2022).
7 Comments
Sorry for your loss Rita, she had many loving years with you all. I know she will be missed and lovingly remembered. May God comfort you in this very difficult time.
So sorry to hear this, & happy for her at same time. She was always such a elegant lady with such a beautiful smile! Thoughts & prayers are with you during this time .
My deepest sympathy and prayers to all of you. I met your mom a few times at Donel and Clarence’s home. I remember how she loved to sew. May she rest in place in a beautiful Home. Peace be with you all.
Love,
Charlotte Thompson.
What a legacy she leaves behind in her family. What a blessing that you, Larry & Linda, we’re able to visit her in Dec. Knowing she is now with her Heavenly Father should give you such peace. Loving you with thoughts & prayers, Neil & BJ
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of the loss of your mom , grandma and great grandma .. But we know she is in a better place … We have such fond memories of her love kindness and generosity ,always making us so welcome to her home ., and her visits to Alberta .. May the peace of Christ be with you all ..
Ken and Ila
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time- losing a husband and a mother within a week. May God give you peace and comfort .
I’m so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing I remember many times at your parents farm many years ago when we were all children. Lasting memories. Deanna
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