On March 12, 2011 Olga Friesen passed away peacefully at Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach, MB at the age of 96 years with her daughters at her bedside. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Alvina Bartlett of Winnipeg, Jack Reimer (Lottie) of Winnipeg and Johanna Whitehead (John) of Mitchell, six grandchildren Gordon Boyechko (Lori), Stuart Reimer (Kelly), Blair Reimer (Candice), Candace Plett, Jason Whitehead (Shannon) and Julie Whitehead, 10 great-grandchildren Charlie and Katie Boyechko, Adley and Royan Reimer, Annikah, Nate and Lucas Reimer, Arrielle, Ethan and Amber Plett as well as four brothers, four sisters-in-law, numerous nieces and nephews. Olga was predeceased by her parents Edward and Emilie Manke, her husbands Peter R. Reimer in 1965, Abe Q. Friesen in 1973, three sisters, four brothers and their spouses; as well as Alvina’s husbands: Martin Boyechko and Allan Bartlett. Mom was born in Steinbach and raised in Friedensfeld and attended school there until she left home at age 12 to work as a domestic in various rural homes and in Winnipeg. Upon marriage she was a thrifty homemaker who enjoyed gardening, sewing, crocheting, knitting and cooking. She liked all animals and of late enjoyed watching birds, squirrels and rabbit tracks from her window at Bethesda Place. After accepting Christ as her Saviour Mom was baptized in 1935, on confession of her faith, at the Evangelical Mennonite Brethren Church (now Cornerstone Bible Church), Steinbach, of which she remained a member. The funeral service will be held on Friday, March 18, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 150 Penfeld Dr, Steinbach with interment at Steinbach Memorial Cemetery. Heartfelt thanks to the staff at Bethesda Place and Bethesda Hospital for their care and dedication. Special thanks to all who visited Mom the last few years. Your visits meant so much to her. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations in memory of Olga Friesen may be made to Regional Palliative Care Program (Volunteer Services), 365 Reimer Ave., Steinbach, MB R5G 0R9.