Frances Mildred Thiessen

Sadly on Sunday February 8th, 2015 Frances Mildred Thiessen(Whitman) passed away in her sleep after a long illness at Concordia Place Nursing Home at the age of 91 years. She was born on March 23, 1923 in Winnipeg and grew up in St Vital. She graduated from Glen Lawn Collegiate and worked with the Federal Government in Ottawa as a young girl just out of high school.
She moved back to Winnipeg where she met her future husband, Jacob. They married in January 1949 and raised their children Bob and Joanne on Neil Ave in East Kildonan.
Frances loved to cook - making all meals from scratch. She loved to bake and made her famous cinnamon buns that everyone loved.
Her love of sewing produced many wonderful outfits for her children and also for Joanne's dolls.
Jake and Frances took many trips around the USA and Canada visiting family and friends. They were able to do that until Jake's failing health.
She loved to travel to visit her children in Toronto and Madison, and spend time with her grandchildren.
Frances lovingly took on the role of Mother to her brother's young children Craig, Janine and Tim for three years after they lost their mother.
In her retirement and widowhood, she spent her time involved in Immanual United Church which she called her "other family." She loved baking and working on the Fowl Supper, which she brought many friends to.
She had a passion for curling - both playing and watching. Anyone that knew her, knew not to call her when a game was being played as then she did not have time to talk - even with her love of conversation.
In her 70's she started Lawn Bowling with St. John's and found a true love of the game and friendship with the other players.
As her health declined, she moved from her home on Neil Avenue to Concordia Assisted Living where she again became involved in many activities until she moved to Concordia Nursing Home.
She will be lovingly remembered by her children Robert and Joanne, her grandchildren Laureen (Brian), Mark, Brooke, Blake, Georgia and Layla; and her great grandson Miles. Her brother James (Audrey) her nieces and nephews, Craig(Carol), Janine, Tim (Homin), Judy , Neil and Clint (Marilyn), Suzann and Sydney (Laurie) and great nieces and nephews Natasha, Evan, Alex and Brandy, and many other nieces and nephews from the Thiessen family.
She was preceded in death by her husband Jake, son in law Kenneth, sister Hazel and half siblings Wilfred, Frank, Bernie and Grace.
Services will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, February 19, 2015 at Klassen Funeral Home 1897 Henderson Hwy. A private interment will take place.
In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to Immanual United Church 755 Golspie Ave,, Winnipeg R2K 2V4