Marie Dueck

Peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, Marie left us to meet her Lord and Saviour.

Devoted wife to Peter and beloved mother to Harold and Debbie Dueck; Sharon and Daryl Wiebe (their children Jonathan and Arlynn and grandchildren Emsley, Everton, Cayman and Caseton; Aaron; Carissa and Keenan); Susan and Daniel Neufeld (their children Andrew; Megan and Scott; Jordan); and Sandra Dueck. Recently predeceased by her grandson Andrew Neufeld. She was also predeceased by her parents, two infant brothers and her in-laws: Abram and Aganeta Dueck, Mary Penner, Peter and Kathie Dyck and Eleanor Dueck.

Marie was born in Bolshoj, Tokmach in Ukraine to David and Maria Friesen on May 4, 1934. Times were difficult for Mennonites under Soviet rule and prior to her birth her father was arrested and forced into a Siberian labour camp. Marie’s life for the next 13 years had many hardships due to the Soviet Union oppression and World War II. Marie and her mother left the Ukraine and migrated to Poland and Germany during this time.

In 1947, Marie and her mother were sponsored to emigrate to Canada and arrived in Halifax on December 20, 1947. Four days later they arrived in Winnipeg to celebrate their first Christmas in Canada. Marie embraced living in Winnipeg and this became her home for the next 76 years.

Marie’s life was dramatically changed on July 1, 1956 when Peter Dueck invited her on a double date to Brereton Lake. Marie’s delicious cooking and deep brown eyes lit the fire within Peter and they married on August 17, 1957. The next 6 years were fruitful as God blessed them with their four children.

Marie was a stay-at-home mother until the kids were all in school. The home was always filled with delicious meals, fresh baking, and a pantry filled with canning from her bountiful garden. The girls were always stylishly dressed in one of Marie’s creations. Marie’s happy place was in the garden, first on Twain Drive and later at their cottage on Brereton Lake and condo on Wilkes Avenue. At all of her residences Marie’s gift of hospitality was evident, hosting many family events and parties for friends and family. Marie’s children and grandchildren all hold very special memories of cottage life and nothing made Marie happier than seeing everyone playing in the water or joining her in a board game.

Another joy in Marie’s life was traveling. From the early years roughing it in a tent to later trips across Canada and the US in ever increasingly larger trailers, Marie enjoyed the adventure. In later life Peter and Marie enjoyed near annual winter escapes to sunny destinations often accompanied by family or friends.

Marie’s faith in God was the foundation for her marriage and family. She was an active member of Portage Ave. Mennonite Brethren Church since its birth in 1960. Her life was a testament of the Fruits of the Spirit - Galatians 5:22 and 23. When recently asked what she would want others to know about her, without hesitation she exclaimed “I love Jesus”.

In later life Marie’s health declined precipitating a move to Sterling House where she enjoyed watching the sunrise with her "Schatz" (treasure). She was very thankful to be living there and for the new community of staff and residents that embraced her.

The family thanks all those who played a role in helping to fulfill Marie’s final wish of passing on at home, surrounded by her Peter and her children.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Kidney Foundation – Manitoba in Marie’s memory.