In Loving Memory of
Mary “Colleen”
Friesen
age 79
Lovingly remembered by her children Cathie (Derek), Angela and Jessica as well as
her loving companion Frank.
Colleen was predeceased by her husband Jim and her daughter Patti.
Died
February 3, 2023
Brandon Regional Health Centre
Brandon, Manitoba
A private family graveside will be held at a later date.
Donations in memory of Colleen may be made to the Westman Animal Rescue, Box 1148,
Boissevain, Manitoba, R0K 0E0 or to a charity of one’s choice.
“You may be gone from my sight ,
but you are never gone from my heart.”
The loss is as immeasurable as the love left behind.
On the morning of Friday, February 3, 2023, we lost one amazing woman. It is with profound sadness
that we announce that Colleen passed away peacefully at Assiniboine Centre in Brandon and now is pain
free.
Colleen was always a woman of great strength, dignity and integrity. As a mother, she was grounded,
fair and never judgmental. Although raising children is a tremendous responsibility, Colleen raised her
four girls seemingly effortlessly. Colleen’s life was many times more difficult than anyone ever knew but
her positive demeanor would never give that away. How she managed and kept her level-headed
disposition will always be a mystery.
She was born in Bowmanville, Ontario to Eric and Joan Coombes. She grew up swimming in Lake
Ontario, hanging out on the pier. In 1976, Colleen made the move to Manitoba with her husband, Jim,
and the farm life began. She thought nothing of all the chores and of raising her four children; she just
took it in stride. Her caring personality not only benefited us as a family, it also led her to a 30 year
career of compassion, in homecare, as an attendant.
Colleen was a great cook and could make a meal for the whole family out of nothing. How she got eight
sandwiches out of one can of tuna, we’ll never know! Her love of animals was no secret; rescuing cats or
dogs was normal, as was taking care of the ones Angela dragged home. Colleen was an avid reader and
she passed along her love of reading to most of her children. Everyone grew up being read to and then
reading ourselves. Colleen loved bowling, reading, crossword puzzles, cards, camping (oh, the camping
stories!), baking, gardening, and Scrabble.
Colleen loved her grandchildren and spent a lot of time with them. It is said some went daily for a Diet
Pepsi and a cinnamon bun. Colleen never missed a ball game, or equestrian event, skating event or
anything the kids did. As mother and grandmother she supported us all, no matter what. Never did we
doubt that we could tell her anything without her being angry or judging us.
Colleen was widowed in 2018 and in 2022 found love again. We had never seen her as happy as when
Frank walked in the room. Her last year of life was filled with laughter, love and a new zest for life.
Colleen was predeceased by her daughter Patti in 2001 and her husband Jim in 2018. Lovingly
remembered by daughters Cathie (Derek), Angela, Jessica, and her grandchildren Eric, Evan and Amy,
Jennifer, Alexa and Cooper, as well as great-grandchildren Logan and Brooklynn.
As per her wishes, there will be a family graveside service in the Spring. Donations may be made in her
memory to Westman Animal Rescue or a charity of choice.