After a long and full life, Mrs. Katherine Friesen passed away peacefully on November 1, 2015. Katherine and her husband (David), were very committed to the community and were instrumental in founding many community institutions during their lives. Winnipeg Mennonite Elementary Schools Inc. (WMEMS) was one of those institutions. Since 1981 thousands of students have benefitted and been influenced by the vision that Mrs. Friesen had for a Mennonite elementary educational choice here in the city of Winnipeg.
I had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Friesen a few times and it was very apparent to me that she had a huge heart and passion for children. The interactions that I witnessed between Mrs. Friesen and our students were truly heartwarming.
Mrs. Friesen and her family have been with us since day one and will always be with us as long as we exist. In June of 2014 we named our Fort Garry campus after Mrs. Friesen to recognize the important role that she played in our founding and growth over the years.
This Friday, we will take some time during our school chapels to give thanks for Mrs. Friesen, her life and the vision that she so passionately believed in. We are saddened that she is gone from this earth, but encouraged by the fact that she is enjoying eternal life with our Saviour and fellow believers.
A celebration of Mrs. Friesen’s life will be held on December 21st at the Qualico Family Centre. I will be there on behalf of our schools and our communities. I will pass along our condolences, but I will also pass along our thanks. Thank you for the support, the passion and the vision, but most importantly thank you for taking action to make your vision come to life. Thank you for stepping forward and pressing ahead. Thousands of children and families have benefitted from your work and will continue to benefit for years to come.
Lawrence Hamm
Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer
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