Obituary of Jessie Neufeld

Jessie Neufeld died peacefully on Friday, December 4, 2020 at Rest Haven Nursing Home with some of her children by her side. Mom celebrated her 94^th birthday with family this past July.  Her long life was filled with cheerfulness and hard work for others.

Jessie (“Justina Peters”) was born on July 18, 1926 on the La Salle Farm west of Glenlea. On this rambling acreage, she made wonderful memories with her siblings and many cousins that lived on the farm or near at hand.   She started school in Glenlea, but then her family moved across the river to Niverville in 1934, and then on to Schoenthal (New Bothwell area) in 1937.

Schooling continued in New Bothwell and it was in these days that tragedy befell Mom, as she lost two fingers on her right hand to an errant ax wielded by a brother. A lot of people to this day are not even aware of this handicap as it never slowed her down.

Mom thoroughly enjoyed attending the Schoenwieser Gemeinde (First Mennonite Church, Winnipeg) Bible School during the winters of 1940-1944.  This gave her some freedom from the farm and time to explore the big city, and to visit with many cousins and friends galore. Mom also gained many skills by working in a sewing factory, in the kitchen in the former Concordia Hospital, and as a house maid in Otterburne West and Winnipeg.  Mom was baptized upon confession of her faith on June 9, 1946 at First Mennonite Church.

Her brother Neil introduced her to a handsome man named Henry Neufeld from Chortitz/Randolph in 1950, and they were married in 1952 with the reception in Neufeld Garage (co-owned by Henry).   Mom and Dad’s wedding text was Psalm 121: “I lift up my eyes to the hills - where does my help come from?  My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth...” NIV.  She always felt that the LORD watched over their family.

Soon they began to raise a large family of 5 sons and 3 daughters. How mom managed to keep it all together we will never know, especially getting our family ready every Sunday to go to the First Mennonite Church in Winnipeg.

Mom always was such a kind and patient mother/grandmother.  She would hum through each chore, and never seemed to have a complaint.  Fantastic cooking, baking, sewing and having a huge garden kept mom very busy.  When she had any free time, Mom loved to read. She taught her children to treasure books.  

Summer family trips to Ontario/BC/California were a highlight, with mom working her magic on a Coleman stove – porridge never tasted so good as in the fresh morning campground air.

Jessie dearly loved her community of Randolph. Together with Henry, she helped plan and host events like “Family Nights” at the rink, annual “Hockey Suppers” at the school, school picnics and other community events.  She was a great hockey fan, and despite her small stature she brought a calming effect to a loud and sometimes unruly crowd.  Mom was also a Postmaster at Neufeld Garage (into her early 80s!), where she greeted her neighbors with a kind word and a wave. She also hosted a Friendship Bible Coffee group in Randolph, which allowed her to share her faith practically with her neighbors.   Mom also treasured her time volunteering with The Mennonite Heritage Village Ladies Auxiliary. 

Her beloved husband Henry passed away in 1998, after years of medical issues during which Mom lovingly cared for him.  Mom was comforted by caring family, friends and through her attendance at Mitchell Community Fellowship.  Her hospitality, wisdom, generous spirit and ability to connect with all ages were God-given gifts she used in the church and community.

In 2008, Mom developed health problems that required Home Care in Randolph.  In early 2011, Mom moved to Woodhaven Manor with the ongoing support of Home Care.  After further health issues in May 2016, Mom spent another 6 months on the rehab unit at the Steinbach Regional Health Centre. She then relocated to her final earthly home at Rest Haven Nursing/Care Home in November 2016 for increased care needs. She loved participating in the Daily Life Program, and truly was excited for what each new day would bring.

Mom lived her life with a patient, contented and grateful spirit. She gathered strength daily from the deep well of her Lord Jesus Christ, and extended love, value and dignity to all. Mom never failed to see the “bright side” of situations, and passed on her positivity to everyone she embraced.  Although she had many trials, she saw the world as a cup “half full.” Mom was like sunshine to her family, her Randolph community and beyond. She became “Tante Jessie” or “Aunt Jessie” to many.

Thank-you God for our Mom who we could cherish here on earth for 94 years, and that she has gone to the eternal home you have prepared - Matthew 25:21 Paraphrased “Well done my good and faithful one”.

Mom (Grandma) will be dearly missed by her children: Ernie (Elsie), Marilyn (Don), Rob (Irm), Garry (Jan), Ron (Yvonne), Vic (Terry), Esther (Eddie), Bev (Len), as well as her 35 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren.

Jessie is also fondly remembered by her sister Marie Epp, her brother John and sister-in-law, Frieda, and her sister-in-law Tina Neufeld. She was predeceased by her husband Henry, parents Cornelius and Anna Peters, brothers David, George, and Neil, sisters Annie and Margaret, and by 1 grandchild and 1 great grandchild.

We are ever indebted to all her carers in her journey: Dr. Ilchyna, Dr. King, Dr. Trinh, Rehab Unit - Bethesda Regional Health Centre, Home Care Program, Haven Group - Woodhaven Manor & Rest Haven Nursing/ Care Home. Also sincere thanks to Todd and staff at the Birchwood Funeral Chapel.

Flowers are gratefully declined. In Honour of our mother please consider a donation to the HavenGroup Foundation (see link below) or to a charity of your choice. 

Mom greatly enjoyed all the Rest Haven Daily Life Program activities, so please designate your donation to this area via your cheque or online donation at à https://havengroup.ca/

A livestreamed private family funeral service for Jessie Neufeld will be held on Saturday, December 12, 2020 at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach. MB.

The online viewing will begin at 10:25 a.m., followed by an online slide show at around 10:40, with the online service to commence at 11:00 a.m.

A private burial will follow at the Chortitza Mennonite Heritage Cemetery in Randolph, Manitoba.

It is the family’s desire to have a public celebration of the life of Jessie Neufeld during the summer of 2021 in the Randolph Community Centre at Neufeld Garage, with details to be released at a future date.