Obituary of Elizabeth Thiessen

Elizabeth (Betty) Thiessen (nee Reimer) age 89 of Steinbach, Manitoba, passed away on Monday, February 19, 2024, at Bethesda Regional Health Centre, Steinbach, MB. She slipped away peacefully surrounded by family after a brief illness.

She is survived by four sisters, three brothers, four sisters-in-law, one brother-in-law and dozens of nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Francis Thiessen, her parents, four brothers and one sister.

Born June 12, 1934, the fifth of 13 children. Betty was tenderhearted, adventurous and helpful. These traits served her well as she worked at Rosenort Eventide care home and when she trained as a nurse, graduating in 1969. Betty then worked on the maternity ward of Bethesda Hospital for many years and loved caring for the babies and their moms.

In her younger years, Betty enjoyed travels with her sisters and friends. Then in 1975 she met the love of her life, Francis Thiessen. They were married on October 29, 1976. Though they didn’t have children of their own, they fostered two brothers, Danny and Dwayne, for several years. She continued to love and pray for those boys right to her dying day. Betty’s many nieces and nephews were also blessed by her love and care over the years.

Betty loved cooking and gardening. She was especially fond of flowers and loved showing off her prized roses. Many of us have enjoyed her generous hospitality over the years and will fondly remember her serving tea in her beautiful china teacups along with something yummy she had baked.

Betty lost her husband of 34 years in 2010. Though she missed Francis terribly, she continued to reach out and love with a cheerful heart.

Betty had a strong faith in Jesus Christ and was very involved with her church community at Blumenort EMC. Her faith was displayed in the way she cared for her family and friends; nursing those who were sick, calling to stay in touch and faithfully praying for all. Betty had a beautiful singing voice and enjoyed blessing many when she sang in a women’s group. When she moved into Woodhaven, she became involved in that community too, blessing her friends and neighbors there with her gentle, genuine spirit.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to EMC Missions.

Special thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff at Bethesda Regional Health Centre for their excellent care and to the many friends and family who visited her during her brief hospital stay.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB. To join the family via livestream, click HERE prior to the service.

A private family burial will take place at the Blumenort Community Church Cemetery prior to the service.