Obituary of Aganetha Wiebe

The Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB. 

As the winter winds began to sweep across the vast Canadian prairie, mom’s weary soul entered into glorious rest. She finally found the peace she had longed for on Sunday, November 20, 2022, at Bethesda Place, Steinbach, MB.

Aganetha leaves behind two daughters; Erna and Alvera (Arnold) and one son, Erwin (Darrell).

Mom was born in Loma Plata on Colony Menno, Paraguay on January 5, 1938. In her mid-twenties her heart began to long for a new life and she emigrated to Canada in 1967. As a young career woman in Canada she loved her independence but longed for the company of a “good Mennonite boy”. She found in our dad, Henry T. Wiebe a man she admired, appreciated and with whom she spend the next 47 years of life. Together they worked the rich Manitoba soil on a hobby farm south of Grunthal growing vast gardens, a fruit orchard, nurtured countless cattle, pigs and flocks and flocks of chickens and of course the three of us, their children. She loved her gardens but her love for animals never left her even as she moved into Steinbach and finally into Bethesda Place in 2016. Her visits with any fur-babies even in the last number of months delighted her each and every time. She also found great joy in retelling many memories from her days on the farm. The thought of a simmering pot of her own homemade fresh chicken noodle soup and buns straight out the oven always brought a twinkle to her eyes.  

Her cherished visits with “frindshoft” was always a great highlight of her days and any visits from nieces and nephew both from dad’s side and hers, left her with a smile for days afterwards.

Mom’s life was framed by many challenges but her children, grandchildren and daughter-in-law and sons-in-law brought such joy and comfort to her; these connections always gave her a keen sense of purpose right into the last months of her time on Earth. Her face lit up even in her darkest days, when she could look upon her family. We knew we would be freshly introduced to every nurse and health care aides, and cleaning staff at Bethesda Place even if we were already very familiar with them. “Dis is my dauter/son”….” Would be part of every interaction at Bethesda Place with each member of the staff. She delighted in us as though we were her greatest accomplishment, and she truly did feel that exact way about us.

Mama, you and dad can dance the jig for all eternity now. Your legs are in the greatest of shape to do Waltzing Matilda with dad who has long gone before you. Your pain has vanished and we wish for you an eternity of joy and peace.

Aganetha will be lovingly remembered by her daughter Erna, (daughter Shari with husband and son Michael and Dominic; son Johnathan with daughter Nola), Erwin (Darrell), and children Madeline and Kieran and daughter Alvera (Arnold).

She also leaves behind one sister Eva Wiebe and one sister-in-law Susan Dyck and countless nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the staff at Bethesda Place for caring for mom for 6 years and 9 months. So many times you stood in as family when we could not be at her side. Mom forged several bonds with individuals that she called her “daughters”. You know who you are and you have become such a warm part of our hearts. May you too find peace in mom’s passing.

Jennifer Klippenstein, we are so very grateful for your kind, gentle manner in which you took care of our mom’s needs as well. We appreciated you greatly.

Tyson, Laura and Jan, your exceptional kindness throughout the years, weeks and even in her last days, while walking us through mom’s declining health was a sweet balm for our souls.

Kevin, it was years ago that you took care of both mom and dad, but your compassionate care for our family was a tremendous gift during some very difficult days. You made their stay in Vita feel like a holiday in the country and we are forever grateful!

Finally Dr. Duerksen, Dr. Reimer and Dr. Allen; your kindness in caring for mom’s medical needs throughout the last few decades were such a precious gift to us especially in the last two particularity challenging years. Your tender bedside manner even while delivering some very difficult news to us, was always accompanied with utmost kindness as together you helped us navigate mom’s complex health challenges throughout the years.

A private family burial has taken place.

The Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Anxiety Disorders Association of Manitoba.