Rita Friesen was born April 23, 1929 in Mikolaipol #2, Borisow, Ukraine to Johann P. and Maria (Schulz) Braun. She was the youngest of twin girls.
The family immigrated to Canada in 1930 and lived in Morden, Manitoba until 1943 when they moved to Arnold, B.C. There in 1949 she married her sweetheart Ernie Friesen. They moved to Vancouver where they lived for 44 years.
One of the highlights of her life was a trip to Israel where both she and Ernie were baptized in the Jordan River and became members of the Fraserview MB Church.
In 1992 Rita was diagnosed with cancer and after treatment they returned to Abbotsford in 1993 to be closer to family. In 1995, being interested in her Mennonte history, they travelled to the Ukraine.
The cancer returned in 1999 and further treatment was required which resulted in coronary problems. For several years she was able to enjoy being with family and friends. After suffering a heart attack in June 2003 complications arose and she passed in to the presence of her Lord and Saviour on July 15, 2003 in the MSA Hospital.
She was predeceased by her parents, sisters Julda Riediger and Manja Braun and a stillborn son. She is survived by her loving husband Ernie, daughter Mary Ann (Ernie) Quiring, son Eric (Arnette) Friesen, grandchildren; Melissa and Angie Quiring, Ryan and Meghan Friesen, sisters Katherine Block and Erna (John) Ens, brother John (Lydia) Braun as well as many nieces and nephews.
Graveside Service will be held July 19th, 2003, 11:00 a.m. at the Maclure Road Cemetery, with a memorial service to follow at 1:00 p.m. at the South Abbotsford MB Church, 32424 Huntingdon Road, Abbotsford, B.C. Viewing for family and friends from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m Friday, July 18, 2003 at the Chapel of Woodlawn Funeral Home.