Marianne Kate Friesen

Marianne Kate Friesen (1939-2026) – A Life Well Lived

Marianne, age 87 of Aldergrove, BC, passed away on September 14, 2026, bringing to a close a remarkably vibrant life defined by boundless energy and joy. In her final days, Marianne was surrounded by the deep love of her devoted husband, Jack, and the tender presence of her children and grandchildren as she peacefully passed into the loving arms of her Lord and Saviour.

Marianne was born in Abbotsford, BC, April 14, 1939, to Issac and Joanna (Klassen) Enns, the oldest child of 6 sisters and 2 brothers. Growing up in the Fraser Valley, Marianne’s early years were shaped by family, faith, hard work, and plenty of joyful moments.

Marianne first met Jack, the love of her life, in 1954 while ice skating on Lysack Pond in Abbotsford. What began as a simple meeting on the ice soon grew into a deep and lasting friendship. Although Jack had committed to working out of town for a time, he soon proposed with a ring—a promise to secure their future together for when he returned.

Jack and Marianne were married in 1958, and it was not long before their family began to grow. With the arrival of two daughters and a son, their family was complete, and together they set out on many new adventures. The Friesen’s enjoyed countless vacations over the years, beginning with simple summers in a tent by the lake and later travelling by truck and camper across Canada and into the United States. Palm Springs soon became an annual favourite. Early spring often meant fishing trips and dirt biking, while summer brought the cherished anticipation of warm days in the Okanagan with dear family friends from Killarney Park Mennonite Church.

Jack and Marianne shared a deep love of seeing the world together and experiencing the beauty of different cultures. Over the years, their travels took them to many memorable places—from relaxing getaways in Hawaii and several destinations in Mexico to adventures across Europe, including Germany, Italy, France, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Lithuania, where they participated in a church work tour. They also visited St. Petersburg, Russia; Cartagena, Colombia; the Greek Islands, which they explored while backpacking; Alaska on a memorable road trip; and China, where they had the unforgettable experience of walking along the Great Wall. Each journey reflected their curiosity, their faith, and the joy they found in discovering the world together.

Aside from travel, Marianne loved her working career. While her children were growing up, she worked part time at Hamilton Harvey and Woodwards. In 1976, she joined the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board in Surrey, BC, where she received her FRI(E) and RI (BC) designations after finishing the Real Estate Pre-Licensing and Urban Land Economics programs. Marianne retired in December 1999 as Administrative Manager. Loved by so many real estate agents and staff, she will always be respectfully remembered as “Marianne at the Board.”

After retiring, Jack and Marianne became true BC snowbirds, spending six months each year in Palm Springs, where they owned a park model. Marianne was active in the community, tending the facility gardens, helping in the office and residing on the Board of Directors, singing in the resort church choir, and playing daily volleyball. For 20 years, they embraced this relaxed, laid-back lifestyle to the fullest.

In May 2026, the children encouraged Jack and Marianne to move to Aldergrove, where all three children were residing. Their new home became Bellevue Park Senior Living, where Jack could remain in independent living and Marianne, who was now experiencing advanced Alzheimer’s, could receive full care. For three months, Marianne thrived in her new environment, making many new friends and enjoying activities. In September, Marianne experienced several falls, and her health quickly declined. She was visited daily by family, reminiscing about the past and continuing to share smiles and memories. Marianne slipped quietly into a deep sleep on September 13 and was escorted by angels into heaven in the early hours of September 14.

Those who remember Marianne will think of her kindness, resilience, quiet strength, and the many ways she enriched the lives of those around her. Her story is found not only in dates and places, but also in the memories held by family and friends: the conversations shared, the meals enjoyed together, the traditions she kept alive, and the love she gave so faithfully. The family would like to thank the staff of Bellevue’s full care team for the love, compassion, and attention they provided to Marianne in her final hours. In particular, they extend heartfelt gratitude to Christine, the recreation director, for always finding the time to bring a smile to their mother’s face.

Marianne is lovingly remembered by her husband, Jack; her daughters, Corinne (Norm) and Denise (Brad); her son, Darryl (Brenda); her grandchildren, Heather (Graham), Bruce, Michael (Nikki), Scott, Craig (Roxanne), and Emily; her great-grandchildren, Lexa, Adalyn, Jackson, and Westin; a vast community of extended family and friends; and others whose lives she touched along the way.

A small private gathering will be held at a later date. In honour of Marianne’s memory, slow down and notice the world around you. Have some ice cream and count your blessings. Loving memories “Remembering Marianne” Click here: Marianne | Videos & Movies on Vimeo