Obituary of Ermina Frey

On Tuesday, September 8, 2020 at 9:33 am, at the Bethesda Regional Health Centre in Steinbach, our mom Ermina Frey, aged 93, passed away peacefully with her daughter by her side.

Mom was born in Peel Township, Ontario on April 28, 1927 to Leander and Lovina Clemmer.    She grew up on their family farm.

Ermina married Earl Frey the love of her life, on June 4, 1947.  They had 64 wonderful years together and raised three daughters, Dianne (Andy) Watchorn, Karen (David) Barkman and Brenda (Harv) Wiens.

She is survived by three daughters and their families along with one sister Vera Martin, two sisters-in-law Mary Clemmer and Elsie Clemmer.

Ermina was predeceased by her loving husband Earl Frey, one daughter Ruth in infancy, her son-in-law Andy Watchorn, her four brothers and two sisters.

Mom you were the best mom us daughters could have asked for. You were always there for us no matter what and always ready to listen with your heart.

You loved your eight grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren so unconditionally and prayed for each one of them. You also loved and prayed for the many children you fostered over the years.

Mom was known for her warm hospitality.  She was always ready with a freshly baked pie, butter tarts or our favorite home made noodle soup. 

She was kind, positive and had a great sense of humour, always cheerful with a smile for everyone.  She enjoyed quilting, gardening, reading and was always up for a good game of Skip-Bo.

We admire how you left the comfort of your home in Wallenstein, Ontario to go on a mission with dad to Grassy Narrows Reserve then later to Red Lake Ontario where you lived for several years before moving to Steinbach, Manitoba.   

Mom moved to Woodhaven Manor 2 years after Dad passed away where she had many friends and a dear sister-in-law Lydian Frey.

Mom you left a legacy of unshakable faith for all of us. No matter what you were facing even in the midst of your pain you would say, “God is good, He’s so good to me”.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to her homecare staff and to the staff at the Bethesda Regional Health Centre for their exceptional care for our dear mother these past two months.                   

You are invited to a come and go viewing on Tuesday, September 15, 2020 from 7:00 -8:30 pm at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB.

A private family funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at 1:00 pm at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB.

A private family burial will take place at Heritage Cemetery, Steinbach, MB.  

If friends so desire, donations in memory of Ermina may be made to Provision of Hope, her daughter’s charity for orphans and widows in West Africa.  www.provisionofhope.com or P.O. Box 5086, Steinbach, MB R5G 1L4.