LILLIAN FLORIS GERBRANDT (NEE GIESE) It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother and grandmother Lillian Floris Gerbrandt (nee Giese) of Steinbach, MB. Lillian passed away suddenly on May 1, 2007 at the age of 77 at the Portage La Prairie District General Hospital shortly before 7:00 p.m. Lillian was predeceased by her husband Henry of 48 years, brother Lloyd, sister Luella, brother-in-law Henry, father Fred, and mother Wanda. Lillian is survived by daughter Carol & Peter Dick; son Murray & Dora Gerbrandt; daughter Lori & Jay Lange; brother Ron & Fran Giese; sister Adelaide & Roy Freund; four grandchildren, Ashley & Nicole Dick, Bryan & Melissa Gerbrandt; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Lillian was born in a farmhouse on March 29, 1930 in Friedensfeld, MB. She worked on the farm and eventually followed her dream of being a teacher and taught Sunday School for many years at the old St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Friedensfeld. Lillian’s experiences also included working in the beet fields followed by working at a Wax Factory and later at a Suit Factory. Additional jobs as a press operator and button sewer paved the way to her true talent—that of a gifted seamstress. As a seamstress she sewed more than 25 wedding dresses for family and friends. She loved to sew, mend and alter clothes which she did until her passing. Lillian and Henry met while working together at the C.T. Loewen Wax Factory. They married on June 6, 1953 and began their family in Winnipeg. In 1957 they purchased farmland in Friedensfeld and began a dairy farm. Their third move came in 1980 when they sold the farm, semi-retired, and built a new house within the community they loved-- Friedensfeld. Following Henry’s passing in 2002, Lillian was continually surrounded by family while she was waiting for an apartment in Fernwood. In March 2006 Lillian received a call that her apartment in Fernwood was available. There she was surrounded by many new friends and enjoyed puzzling in the common room. She joined the 55 Plus Club and the Red Hat Society and volunteered to deliver meals to residents. Lillian served on the Friedensfeld Board of Directors for many years. Up to her passing she remained very active by helping to prepare and cater functions and organize senior’s events such as whist drives. Lillian was also an active member at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church where she gave her time to sew quilts, sing in the German choir, and occasionally make perogies. A viewing was held on Friday, May 4 at the Birchwood Funeral Chapel. A funeral Service was held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church on Saturday, May 5 with Interment at St. Paul’s Cemetery in Friedensfeld. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Lillian to the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Memorial Fund; Box 1618, Steinbach, MB; R5G 1N3 The time we had together will be remembered, shared, and celebrated.