Mrs. Susie Dueck

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Susie Dueck (nee Giesbrecht) on March 29, 2022, only weeks before her 99th birthday, after a brief illness and hospitalization at Misericordia Health Centre. She leaves to mourn her passing, son John, daughter Helen, granddaughter Heidi, great-granddaughter Aurora, sister Helen Neufeld, and many nephews, nieces, neighbours and friends. She is predeceased by Ferdinand (Ferd) Dueck, her beloved husband of 45 years, and by sisters Margaret Loewen, Agatha Schmidt, and Annie Klippenstein.

Susie and her twin sister, Margaret, were born on April 20, 1923, in Neubergthal, Manitoba. A great beauty at 23, Susie married Ferd on June 9, 1946, and worked with him and his family at the Altona Dairy from 1946 to 1955. They then moved to Killarney, Manitoba, where they welcomed children John and Helen to their family before moving to Winnipeg in 1963. Susie was a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker who loved children and often babysat for family and friends. She was a patient and loving caregiver throughout her husband’s lengthy periods of illness, and supplemented the family income through her babysitting as well as working at a sewing factory and at Palliser Furniture. She and Ferd joined the North Kildonan Mennonite Church in 1982, where Susie attended faithfully and volunteered with the church “Naeverein” or sewing circle. She also volunteered for the MCC Thrift Shop. She was an excellent seamstress, known for her beautiful patchwork blankets, and was often sought out to do sewing projects within her community of friends, family and church. Susie will be remembered for her tireless work ethic, cheerful disposition, and famous chicken “zup”. Her home was always filled with the aromas of fresh baking and home-cooked food, a tradition she has passed down to her daughter, Helen.

After the death of her husband in 1991, Susie continued to live in her family home, and was fortunate to be able to age in place, even in declining health, right until the final 15 days of her life. This was due to the dedication of her daughter, Helen, who lived with her in her later years and carried on the family tradition of being a patient and loving caregiver to her mother. Throughout her final years, Susie maintained her joyful sense of humour and gratitude for life’s blessings. At the age of 90, she celebrated with a well-attended birthday party at North Kildonan Mennonite Church, and in 2018, Helen hosted a party for Susie’s 95th birthday, where she was able to celebrate at home surrounded by family and friends. A remarkable woman, remarkable age, and remarkable life well lived! Helen would like to thank the home care attendants who helped her care for her mom in the last five years of her life, as well as loyal lunch companion Pete, family, friends, neighbours, and Helen’s employer for all their support.

Interment will take place on Friday, April 8, at 2:30 p.m. at Glen Eden Cemetery, 4477 Main Street, prior to the service. Funeral service will begin at 4:00 p.m. at North Kildonan Mennonite Church on Roch at Cheriton, followed by a light faspa and fellowship.