Esther Marietta Gerbrandt passed away peacefully Saturday, August 29th, 2009 at the age of 75 years. She was predeceased by her husband of 38 years, Harold Peter Gerbrandt in 1990; son-in-law, Tim Funk in 2004; great-granddaughter, Nikki-Anna, in 2001; and great-grandson, Jonathan Moses, in 2002. Left to cherish her memory are her children Joanne (Johann) Johnson, Karen Funk, Arlene (Reginald) Klassen, Kathy (David) Ives, Audrey (Jack) Harrison, John (Lorna), Alice (Mark) Adams, 25 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren. Mom lived simply, and gave generously. Husband and family were her main consideration. Her support of Dad enabled him to finish his Journeyman's in Carpentry and do volunteer mission work in Belize. She later accompanied him on a similar mission there. She sought to ensure relaxation time for Dad by travelling and picnics away from the telephone. She found pleasure in her family. We remember her always being at home for us, listening to us, typing reports, reading aloud bedtime stories and literature assignments that had become too tedious. She liked baseball, water fights and target-shooting. She would often encourage us to enjoy the rain and the puddles. She sang in the church choir, and she belted out choral anthems and Gilbert and Sullivan while doing the dishes. She always enjoyed a scrabble game with family or friends. Being an avid puzzler, Crosswords were an interest she shared with her sister, Luella. And, doing the Jumbo with Ann from BC was a delight. We were always assured of her prayers for us, and that will be missed. Viewing will be held at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach on Friday, September 4, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. with a devotional at 7:30 p.m. The funeral service will be held Saturday, September 5 at 2:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel with interment at Heritage Cemetery. If friends so desire donations in memory of Esther may be made to one of the following charities: Emmanuel Evangelical Free Church – Elders Care Fund, 360 McKenzie Ave, Steinbach, MB R5G 0K6; Return Ministries, P.O. BOX 556; Huron Park, ON N0M 1Y0; Trevor Baker, Box 36, Tuxford, SK S0H-4C0