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Winifred Helene (Freda) WIEBE

February 24, 2006

Winifred Helene (Freda)

Freda Wiebe (nee Gamble) passed away peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by her loving family, on Friday, Feb. 24, 2006 at the age of 83. Freda is survived by her brother Len Gamble (Jessie_Ann) in Armstrong, BC; sister-in-law Sylvia Gamble in Taunton, England, and eight children: Wayne (Arlene) Wiebe, Victor (Eren) Wiebe, Valerie (Kip) Miller, Kathi Farquhar, Larry Wiebe, Sheila Wiebe, Duane (Jeannie) Wiebe, and Bryan Wiebe. She also has 18 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren to lovingly remember her.

Freda was predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Victor Wiebe, older brother Alfred Gamble, grandson Jason and great grandson Roger.

Freda Wiebe was born to Albert and Victoria Helene Gamble, Oct. 7, 1922, in Brixham, Devon, England. On Oct. 17, 1942 she married Canadian soldier Vic Wiebe, whom she met while singing in the Brixham Baptist Chapel. She and their 18 month old son joined him in Canada in 1946, travelling with other war brides on the Aquitania. After her arrival in her new country, the three first lived on Sumas Prairie, near Yarrow, before moving to a dairy farm in Arnold where the family grew and prospered. As children married and moved to homes of their own, Freda and Vic sold the farm and moved, with their younger children, to a large house on Hamon Dr. in 1979. Later, in 1995, they moved again to a new house in Huntingdon.

Freda was active in her children's education and served on PTA executives supporting the local schools. Freda used her creative skills to decorate beautiful cakes and knit, crochet, and sew wonderful clothes for her children and grandchildren. She was a member of the War Brides of Canada and was a proud Canadian, though she loved returning to Brixham for visits with family and friends.

Freda had a strong Christian faith, and enjoyed singing throughout her life. She sang at the Abbotsford Presbyterian Church where she also served as organist for many years. Upon moving to Central Heights Church she enjoyed the Sunday school classes as well as being active in the Ladies Open Door Fellowship. Freda enjoyed singing with the Jubilee Singers, and continued to enjoy watching and listening to videos of choir performances after she was physically unable to participate.

For the past year Freda lived happily at Maplewood House in Abbotsford, and the family would like to thank the staff there for the care and patience shown our mother.

A funeral service for Freda Wiebe will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday, March 2 at Central Heights Mennonite Brethren Church on McCallum Rd. Interment at Hazelwood Cemetery will be follow­ed by a reception back at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations may be made to Samaritan's Purse or to a charity of your choice.



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