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Jennifer Richardson posted a condolence
Sunday, February 14, 2021
Tribute to my Mother
My mother was born on November 23, 1936, in Steinbach, Manitoba; the 4th of Jacob and Minna Barkman’s 9 children. Just two months prior to her birth, her older brother had died of crib death at ten months of age. When Florence was also about ten months old, her mother found her in her crib, ashen and unresponsive. She sent for the doctor who came quickly and proceeded to shout her name and shake her. She came to, thankfully, and the rest is “her-story”.
As a 15-year-old teenager, Florence got a job at Johnny’s Grill and helped her dad buy his first car. That was also where she met the much older David Goertzen. Much to her mother’s chagrin over their 12 year age difference, they went on to marry September 5, 1954, when she was a few months shy of her 18th birthday.
In January 1957, Florence had her first child, a son, who was named Kenneth; daughter Sharon followed the next year. Two more girls, Sandra and Jennifer were added to the family in 1961 and 1964. Around this time Florence lost her father in a work accident and she became devoted to her mother’s well-being, along with raising her young family. Much to everyone’s delight, mine especially, a surprise baby came along in 1975; another daughter, named Kristine. (The novelty of my baby sister still hasn’t worn off)
In 1977 Florence’s mom died, and, in 1981, after his 2-year battle with cancer, she endured the untimely loss of her beloved husband David. Having left school early to help her mother at home, armed with only a grade 8 education, and having been a full-time homemaker, this tragedy without a doubt, put her world into a tailspin. However, Florence rallied as best she could, with the assistance and encouragement from extended family and her church, the Grace Mennonite. She passed the grade 12 equivalency exam and went on to find employment to support herself and her youngest daughter in a variety of settings. She found work at the sewing factory, the C.T. Loewen’s lunchroom, in restaurant kitchens at M.J.’s and Smitty’s, and finally at Child and Family Services; where she assisted families in their homes, at one point caring for triplet boys. No doubt this must have been exhausting work, but entertaining and enjoyable at the same time. She retired at age 60.
In 1982 Sharon made Florence a Grandma with the birth of her son Andrew. She added two daughters as well, before the rest of the gang joined in. The others eventually did their part, and in the years 1982-2001 Florence would come to cherish a total of 6 grandsons and 8 granddaughters. She loved them all and enjoyed watching them grow up and spending time with them. She hosted many sleepovers with them as youngsters, much to their parents’ delight.
Having had the privilege of going on trips to B.C. and Hawaii with Dave before he passed away, the travel bug had bitten Florence hard. So, once she had the earning potential, she took to travelling with great gusto. In 1982, she went on a road trip to South Dakota with 4 of her five children. Her sister Dorothy and brother-in-law Pete included her on trips to Hawaii, Florida, and BC. She also took bus tours to the east coast and several places in the US, including Pennsylvania and Mackinac Island. In 2009 she went to Cuba with two of her daughters. She also went on a road trip to Saskatchewan with son Ken and his family. Florence seldom missed an opportunity to get away to Grand Forks with friends and family. Playing games such as cribbage, Yahtzee and Skipbo, were favourite pastimes, as was watching game shows on TV, like Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy and The Price is Right.
Over the years Mom kept extra busy with the Church ladies’ Aid, a single lady’s group, volunteering at the MCC Thrift store, the Mennonite Museum, the church library, Sunday school, junior choir and girls’ club. As if all those activities were not enough, she still found time to make blankets, noodles and baking for church fundraisers. She also kept a large garden, canned, and was well-known for her pickle making prowess. Many children, young and old, raved over “Grandma’s pickles.” Countless enjoyable hours were spent baking and cooking with her daughters and granddaughters. Perogies, perishky, cookies, and chocolates were just a few of the culinary delights her daughters enjoyed creating with her; all of us passing on this love to our own daughters, as is the way of Mennonite Moms. Very few could rival my mom’s exquisite Rhubarb Plautz, though some family members keep trying.
Although she was an excellent cook, Mom seldom passed up an opportunity to go out for a meal. She often reminisced about the many places where she enjoyed dining with family and friends over the years. Some of her favourites included Lee’s, Chicken Chef, Tony Roma’s, M.J.’s, Olive Garden, Montana’s, Pizza Hut, and the Peppercorn.
Florence Goertzen’s family continued to grow over the years. She not only enjoyed the pleasures of being a mother and grandmother, but was extremely excited to be able to spend time with 8 great-grandchildren (and another on the way), making family gatherings a lively affair.
Despite some serious health setbacks over the years, especially this painful past year, our Mother rallied and clearly exhibited her inner strength and character. She did her best to set a good example for her children and grandchildren, by being a hardworking, loving and caregiving woman. Despite the challenging days we find ourselves in, Mom continued to persevere, and maintained a beautiful sense of humour. Seeing her smile and hearing her laugh when we went to her window for a visit or talked to her on the phone, was truly a cathartic experience.
This past year our Mother was displaced from her adored hometown of Steinbach. So many times, her daughters told her, “Have hope Mom. A better day is coming.” No doubt they did not think too hard or long on how their Mom’s “Better Day” might come. It came unexpectedly. A short illness and an unfortunate fall were all it took. All five of her children were blessed in these dark days to be given the rare opportunity to see their mother one last time. But still… the final farewells seemed much too fleeting. So while we ache at losing her, we do find solace that her earthly pain and suffering are over.
My Mother passed away the morning of Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at Bethania Personal Care Home in Winnipeg, with my beautiful little sister Kristine by her side.
Later that same day, the Bethania staff kindly and solemnly prepared my Mother to embark on her final journey home to Steinbach. Then, they transferred her out of her small room of the past five months, and down the long hall she had said she did not like. My sister and I, doing our best to hold each other up, fell in behind her. Respectfully silent home care staff, waiting in the wing, followed the procession down the long hall, out of Bethania and into the biting cold, but brilliant sunshine. She would have loved the bright blue skies and sunny day. Her ride was waiting. The Bethania chaplain, my sister and I laid our hands upon my Mother. We bestowed our love and blessings upon her. Then, the kindly chauffeur was given his cue. The group watched as they drove away. We bid them “safe travels.”
Now those of us who are left behind to mourn her loss, will do what we mere human beings like to do: Imagine our Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, Cousin, and Friend up in Heaven. Being honoured, celebrated and cherished by all her family and friends and the Heavenly Hosts. I believe I can picture her beloved David, now strong and youthful, running to meet her with outstretched arms, wrapping them around her and holding her close for at least 10,000 years; doing his best to atone for her loneliness here on earth. And then, arm in arm, they will make their way to what I see as the biggest and best Family gathering ever.
Florence’s full life has left us all with so many precious memories. In that way, she will remain with us; now, and evermore.
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Dorinda Rodd lit a candle
Monday, January 25, 2021
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Thank you family for arranging for us to be with you remotely in this unprecedented time. It meant so much to me to be able to be with you today to remember my Auntie, your mum, who was so much a part of so many of my weekend memories growing up, and such a gracious giving ray of sunshine every time I saw her! Each time I think of Auntie Florence, I smile and a warmth fills my heart for all the sharp wit, kind gestures, and reaaaaally good cooking she brought to my life. I share in your tremendous loss, and wish you the love of each other to give you strength to move forward. Again, thank you so much for finding a way to let us be with you at this time.
All my Love, Dorinda and family.
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Evelyn Friesen posted a condolence
Monday, January 25, 2021
I grieve with you, the family, as you mourn the loss of a loved one ..... I well remember Florence’s lasting, faithful commitment to Women in Mission @ Grace ....
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The family of Florence Goertzen uploaded a photo
Monday, January 25, 2021
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Martha Neufeld posted a condolence
Friday, January 22, 2021
Sharon and Orlen I am so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. She was such a wonderful lady who always had a smile on her face. I purchased Avon from her for many years. She always made my day and made me smile. She was gentle, kind and I truly appreciated her. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. I know her smile is lighting up heaven!
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Martha Neufeld lit a candle
Friday, January 22, 2021
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Darlene Rempel-Fillion posted a condolence
Friday, January 22, 2021
My condolences and love to Florence Goertzens whole family. I regret i wasnt able to visit with Florence more during the past couple of years. Florence was a kind, gentle and loving lady. Love and prayers for strength and peace from my family to yours.
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Micheal Barkman lit a candle
Friday, January 22, 2021
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Rest in Peace Auntie Florence
Monday
25
January
Come & Go Viewing
9:00 am - 11:30 am
Monday, January 25, 2021
Grace Mennonite Church
430 Third Street
STEINBACH, Manitoba, Canada
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Monday
25
January
Private Family Funeral Service
2:30 pm
Monday, January 25, 2021
Birchwood Funeral Chapel
162 PTH 52 W
Steinbach, Manitoba, Canada
(204) 346-1030
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162 pth 52 W
(204) 346-1030
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