Marjorie Mona Friesen

February 28, 2019

Marjorie Mona Friesen (nee Janzen) has gone on to the most beautiful music she’s ever experienced. Born in Drake, Saskatchewan in 1934 to David and Agatha Janzen, she discovered that music was her passion at age five when she taught herself to play piano. With no formal training she went on to enjoy directing the most successful ensembles at Trinity Western University (Trinity Junior College, then), producing four albums. She freely lent her many skills of sewing, painting, and gardening to friends and family and later in life, speaking to many women's groups about her faith.

Her humour was great and her heart soft for those in need of a meal, a place to stay, or just an ear.
Marge often joined her husband, Benno, on some of his travels as a Member of Parliament and Parliamentary Secretary. She enjoyed meeting people of other cultures and found ways to connect well with them, finding a common ground, and sharing her insights with Benno.

On February 28, 2019 she laid to rest her work and her recent struggle with Parkinson’s to enjoy the comfort of her Lord and Saviour’s arms.

She is survived by her husband, Benno, of 66 years, daughters Cyndi (Bernie) Scholz and Lynne (Mark) Pettigrew and grandchildren Corban (Cammy), Aubrey, Caroline and Davis (Marissa) Scholz, Andrew Griffith, Hannah Griffith, Brittney (Tim) McAra and Great grand children Norah and Charlie McAra.

The family is ever so grateful for the wonderful care Marge received at The Residence at Morgan Heights. The staff were genuinely concerned for her comfort and well being and for that we are thankful. A Memorial Service will be held in April.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Marge Friesen Music Scholarship at TWU or the Peace Arch Hospital Foundation.

“So with you: Now is your time of grief but I will see you again, and you will rejoice and no one will take away your joy” John 16:22

You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence for the family.

Messages of Condolence

Eva and I have so many wonderful memories of our times together with Marge and you Benno and, while we are saddened for your loss we think of one of your favourite songs by B.J. Thomas: Home Where I Belong. That's where Marge is waiting for you to change your address as well. Going home is just moving. I know that both you and Marge devoted much to TWU and Eva and I feel blessed that our grandaughter has chosen TWU to get degrees in Arts and Education. It's thanks to all that you both did that TWU is the wonderful place it is today. God Bless you and all your Family.

- Rod & Eva Gunn

I am so saddened to hear of Marge's passing as we only met her a few times back in the 1970s when I was the editor of the Peace Arch News and visited her and Benno at their home. Of course, most of my contact with Benno was when he was an MP for the Conservative Party...... days that I remember so very well. My thoughts go out to Benno and Cyndi and Lynne and all the family members.

- Graham Evan MacDonell

Sorry to hear of Marge's passing. My memories go away back, through my parents, when Benno was first interested in politics.

- Barbara Nutt (Douglass)

I am forever greatful for the impact Marge had on my life as a teenager. The Lord brought us together as well as the love of music. Her example of loving the Lord, her husband and family forever imprinted on my heart. We will see you one day Marge, please hug my son in heaven. The Lord reigns! Moira Wegner

- Moira Wegner

We were saddened by the news of Marg’s death, but we can only imagine what a loss it was for you, Benno, and your family. For Marg , what joy to be welcomed by our Heavenly Father. Psalm 116:15 says”Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints”..... but for now it’s you and your family who need his tender care. You are in our prayers. Fred&Connie

- Fred & Connie Koop

Benno and family I was so sad to hear of the lost of our most wonderful Marge! She was always larger than life in the way she stretched out her arms to care for others and embrace the good in everyone. She had a quick eye to notice those who were being left out and her gentle but firm guidance changed many lives. Her passion for music was so contagious and she poured excellence into the groups she directed. My thoughts and prayers and with you Benno and all your family as you grieve the loss of beautiful Marge. Much love, Dorothy

- Dorothy Bayley

Marge was an extremely important person in my childhood: my best friend's mother and my mother's best friend. I am grateful for the many, many visits to your home and for all of the love I experienced there. When I think of Marge (or Mrs. Friesen, as she will always be to me) I think of gentleness as well as music. Benno, Cyndi and Lynne, my heart is with you in these days.

- Pamela Hanson Goossen

So sorry to hear of Marge's passing. Marge was a huge influence in my life during the 73-74 years . She was a patient kind and loving women who always looked for the best in people. I very much enjoyed her mentorship and travels with the BC Sonlight Ensemble Group tours. My sincere condolences go out to Benno and family and pray for Gods peace to be your portion in the difficult days ahead.

- Brian Dougall

Please accept my most sincere condolences and thank you for posting Marjorie’s obituary in the newspaper. None of you will know me but my name is Carolyn Turpin, daughter of Arnold and Ethel Wiebe. Marjorie and my dad were cousins along with my dad’s siblings, Pete, Abram (Slim) and Rosella Schmidt. If my memory serves, I may have met Marjorie at most twice. However, I have kept her beautiful voice in my heart for years. My grandparents, Cornelius and Agatha Wiebe attended a small church in Langley and when my grandmother passed away, the funeral service was held in that church. Marjorie sang the most beautiful hymn I had never heard before that day. She sang He Touched Me. Whether it was the words or Marjorie’s voice or even a combination of both along with the emotions caused by losing my grandmother, that hymn and Marjorie’s gift of her voice have never left me. In fact, my sons, Adam and Mark and one of their friends, sang that hymn at a memorial service held for my own mother at the Gospel Hall in Langley. In no way as melodic as Marjorie but a proud and sentimental moment.. It may not mean as much now Benno, but I was very, very proud to have a relative, no matter how distant, representing the folks form BC in Ottawa. This is a very difficult time for all of you but Marjorie is with her Lord, you have amazing memories to share and I, a long lost distant relative, was blessed in the mid 1960’s to hear Marjorie sing He Touched Me. Sincerely

- Carolyn Turpin

To Benno & Family, I was so sad to read that Marge had passed away. As her hairdresser I had known her for 20 years. We talked about everything in those years, families, friends and heaven forbid politics, what fun we had. The word “lady” comes to mind when I think of her. Rest In Peace Marge, the Lord is lucky to have you with him.

- Sandie McDonough

We want to pass on our condolences to Benno, Cyndi and Lynne and the extended family. Marje was a very special person, and was a rock in your family. We know she is at peace, with her Saviour, and that gives you comfort in this difficult time. We have been praying for you and will continue to do so. Much love from Frank and Bonnie Bucholtz

- Frank and Bonnie Bucholtz

So sad to hear of Marge's passing. We remember her warm smiles and welcoming manner whenever we were in her company. Comfort and compassion to each one of you.

- Ed & Maggie Thiessen

Dear Benno, Cyndi,Bernie and family, I am saddened to learn of Marge's passing and my prayers are with all of you this week when I understand there will be a memorial service honouring her life and memory. Rene

- Rene Wassill

My sincere condolences to Benno and to his family on Marge's passing. I am one of the many who have been influenced by her kind and compassionate nature and by her quiet devotion to those ideals in life that really matter. She is now in the loving presence of her Lord and will wait patiently to joyfully welcome those left behind to complete their journey.

- Michael Zrymiak

I am very privileged to be a member of the Front Seven,one of Marge’s groups that went on tour for TJC in 1968.Fifty one years later we were able to gather together again and sing for her memorial service,A very emotional time to honor this wonderful lady who loved the Lord with her whole heart.

- Dennis Clary

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