ELIZABETH THIESSEN, beloved wife of the late John B. Thiessen of Lethbridge, went home peacefully to be with her Lord on September 6, 2019.

Elizabeth was born November 6, 1926 in Marion, South Dakota. Eventually, she and her family moved to a farm in Spring Ridge near Pincher Creek. She met John and the two were married shortly after. While Elizabeth worked as a housekeeper, John worked for a nearby farmer and went on to work for Purity Dairy. The couple lived in a renovated granary before they endured a tragic house fire which claimed most of their possessions.

When they took over the dairy business from John’s mother, Elizabeth’s normal routine was forever changed. She helped in the barn and the business thrived until they sold out in 1969—an impressive 18 years after she had begun work. With the addition of five children, many laundered cloth diapers and hungry mouths to feed, more time was spent in the house than in the barn.

Her garden grew to accommodate her growing family: Edna (Larry), Arnold “Ziff” (Kathy), Lawrence (Kelly), Albert “Mic” (Nancy) and Norma. Elizabeth and John also enjoyed their 19 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Participation in church activities was a big part of her family through the years and they shared much time skiing, swimming, golfing and traveling.

As the children grew, married and moved away for education and career opportunities, Elizabeth filled her hours as a well-loved babysitter. Not only did she do this for her family but the families of young mothers attending church bible studies, too. She also spent time in lesson preparation and prayer for weekly girls’ club.

The days of tending her garden, canning crab apples, pickling beets and cucumbers and changing hand-moved sprinklers across the lawn were over when she and John moved to Lethbridge. On quiet days, while John was at work on the farm on driving his night run for the Lethbridge Herald, Elizabeth perfected her embroidery and knitting skills.

Blessed with good vision, she read her bible daily for many years. Even in her final week, she was able to enjoy digital pictures and videos of her newest great-grandchild from Florida.

Elizabeth was the last living sibling in her Poettcker family. She was predeceased by her brothers and sisters, Henry, Abe, Mary, John and Anne.

A Funeral Service will be held at LAKEVIEW BIBLE CHURCH, 1509 – 29 Street South, Lethbridge, AB on Friday, September 13, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. with Dr. Nigel Wheeler officiating.

In memory of Elizabeth, donations may be made to Our Daily Bread, Day of Discovery at their website: www.odb.org or to Hospital Chaplaincy, c/o College Drive Community Church: 2710 College Drive South, Lethbridge, AB T1K 7L6.

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

 

• Date : 2019-09-06
• Location : Lethbridge, Alberta