On November 7th, 2011, Elizabeth Goertzen passed away peacefully at the Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach, to her eternal home. Elizabeth was born to Abram P. and Katharine Bergmann in Rueckenau, Russia, on August 26, 1923. At the age of two, she immigrated to Canada with her family. The Bergmann family lived in several locations, with the majority of the time being in the Ste. Anne area where Elizabeth spent her childhood and teen years. Her early adult years were spent in the teaching profession in many locations throughout Manitoba. Elizabeth saw this career as a positive challenge. Elizabeth married John E. Goertzen on April 22, 1956. They were married for 55 harmonious years and enjoyed farming together with the blessing of retiring on their original farm location. Elizabeth and John were blessed with three sons, one daughter, nine grandchildren, and one great grandchild. Elizabeth's home displayed evidence of her many interests. These interests included purchasing antiques, upholstering couches for each of her children, quilting for MCC, and growing plants like African Violets to raise money for the thrift shop. She spent many hours compiling information regarding the Bergmann roots and found it very rewarding. She had many craft projects, especially enjoying making cone wall hangings. Elizabeth was very interested in butterflies and had an extensive collection. She had a love for plants and flowers. This was evident by her large flower beds at her home. She spent many hours tending her flowers and enjoying their amazing beauty. Elizabeth will be known by many for her bundle of memory verse cards. These were dear to her and a source of strength to her spiritually during her hospital stays. Elizabeth was a very devoted wife and mother. We as a family are grateful for her devotion to motherhood and her unwavering faith. Left to treasure Elizabeth's memories are her best friend and beloved husband of 55 years, John and her children, John (Linda), Dave (Neom), Marianne (Terry) Heide and Ernie. She will be fondly remembered by her grandchildren and great grandchild. She will be sadly missed by her siblings, George (Esther) Bergmann and Anne Froese, and her in laws, Helen Bergmann and Margaret Bergmann. Elizabeth was predeceased by one still born son, her parents, three sisters, three brothers and three in-laws. The family wishes to thank home care staff and St. Boniface and Bethesda hospitals for many years of loving care. As an expression of sympathy, if friends so desire, donations may be made in Elizabeth's memory to Gideon Memorial Bible Plan, PO Box 3619 Stn Main; Guelph, ON N1H 9Z9 Viewing will be held at the Steinbach Mennonite Brethren Church, 340 2nd St, Steinbach on Thursday, November 10 at 7:00 p.m. with a devotional at 7:30 p.m. The funeral service will be held Friday, November 11 at 1:30 p.m. at the Steinbach Mennonite Brethren Church with interment at Heritage Cemetery in Steinbach.