Katherine Friesen

Born in Russia on August 12, 1918 to Abraham and Elizabeth Loewen, Katherine (Kay) is survived by her sister Betty Epp, her children, Bob Friesen (Barb Friesen), Ruth Hastings (Brian Hastings), Victoria Brooks and Terry McCrea (Dan McCrea) and grandchildren, Lisa Hastings (Kevin Van), Treena White (Don White), Tyler Hastings, Kira Sage (Ashley Sage), Kyle Friesen, Corie Friesen (Jackie Friesen), Tyson Brooks, Shawn McCrea (Bobo McCrea) and Michael McCrea (Brenda McCrea) and 11 great-grandchildren.

She emigrated from Russia when she was four years old with her parents and sister Betty. After living in Saskatchewan and Ontario the family then settled in Winnipeg where their lives were enriched by their involvement with the First Mennonite Church. Kay graduated from the University of Winnipeg with her education degree and in 1943 married David Friesen and had four children. In 1951 she and David founded Quality Construction, now Qualico, and in 1952 they founded Rancho Realty. The entrepreneurial spirit and an amazing sense for business that Kay and her husband shared continues in the company today.

Kay was the broker and salesperson for Rancho Realty and she belonged to the Real Estate Association for over 30 years where she earned her F.R.I. designation.

Kay and David were very committed to the community and created the David and Katherine Friesen Family Foundation, founded Menno Simons College, the Winnipeg Mennonite Elementary School and the Menno Simons Christian School in Calgary. They also established the Katherine Friesen Centre next to the First Mennonite Church. Their commitment and generosity continues to have an impact in Winnipeg and throughout western Canada.

Kay and her husband David were married for 64 years and shared a love of business, travelling the world and giving back to the community. Most important to Kay was her family, education and music. She volunteered at the Children’s Hospital, First Mennonite Church and for many other causes. Kay was full of personality and had a love for life. She enjoyed her flowers, gardens, tennis, golf, bicycle riding, water skiing, basketball, Palm Springs, leopard prints and pink. She was a loving mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great-grandmother and a role model and mentor to so many others.

Thank you to Linda, Anna Marie, Kelly and Emily for being such wonderful caregivers.

There will be a celebration of Kay’s life at the Qualico Family Centre on December 21, 2015 at 6:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba.