Mennonite
Historical
Society

of Alberta

Friesen, Constance Emma (Connie)

FRIESEN, Constance Emma (Connie)

 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 at the age of 80.

 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 Fall 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 and 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, mom and dad 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.

 A celebration of life will be held in Rosthern, SK. in the summer.