January 26, 1929 ~ February 10, 2018 (age 89)
1929 ~ 2018
Alma Wiebe (née Reimer), beloved wife of the late Albert Wiebe, of Lethbridge, Alberta passed away peacefully on February 10, 2018 at the age of 89 years. Born January 26, 1929 in Steinbach, Manitoba, Alma was the youngest in a large family, and the last surviving sibling at the time of her passing.
Following her years of growing up in Steinbach, Alma and one of her sisters obtained seasonal employment for about five years in a canning factory in St. Catherine’s, Ontario, during which time they also enjoyed traveling to various locations in the United States. Alma especially loved taking bus tours, something she also enjoyed later on with her husband in their retirement years.
Alma married Albert Wiebe on October 1, 1955, initially residing in Winnipeg where Albert was foreman of a construction crew. All five of their children were born while they still lived in the city. In 1964, they began 14 years of life on the farm, followed by a move to Coaldale, Alberta, where Albert started his own company building houses and Alma continued to support his work, helping out in any way she could. Throughout the years, Alma was a hard-working, dedicated and loving wife and mother with a warm personality that made visitors feel welcome in their home.
The arrival of a grandchild was always a highlight in Alma’s life. She loved spending time with all of her grandchildren, making each one feel special to her. Alma also had her own interests with activities including shuffleboard, knitting, participating in singing groups, and getting together with friends and neighbors for coffee. She was also an active member in the Coaldale Senior Centre and did volunteer work in the MCC (Mennonite Central Committee) store.
In later years, Alma suffered various health problems including arthritis that often caused her discomfort. She spent her last few years in St. Michael’s Health Centre as her health declined further and requirements for a supported lifestyle increased. Yet Alma’s positive disposition and sense of humor shone through. Pain or no pain, she had a constant smile on her face and was described as a model resident by her care-providers.
Alma is survived by two daughters, Laureen (Kevin) Hayes and Marcia (Ken) Janzen, and three sons, Alan (Melinda) Wiebe, Randy Wiebe (Laura Gilchrist), and Rick Wiebe. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Keila (Ryan) Lammertsen, Ryan (Kristin) Janzen, Michael (Alessandra) Hayes, Karen Hayes (Adrian Pacula), Jennifer Wiebe (Advin Omic), Kenzie Wiebe, Brett Wiebe, Derek Wiebe, Dani Pettersen, and Sarah Gilchrist; and four great grandchildren, Rebecca Lammertsen, Jayden Wiebe, Payton Wiebe, and Odin Omic. Alma is also survived by two sisters-in-law, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and their families.
Alma was predeceased by her husband Albert in 2013, her parents Isaac and Margaretha Reimer, eight sisters, eight brothers, four sisters-in-law and six brothers-in-law.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects between 6:00pm and 8:00pm on Monday, February 19, 2018 at the COALDALE MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCH, 2114 – 18 Street, Coaldale, Alberta.
A Graveside Service will be held at 10:00am on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 in the Coaldale Mennonite Cemetery.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at the COALDALE MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCH, with Pastor Gary Burke officiating.
For those who desire, donations may be made in