Doerksen – Anne Doerksen, a most excellent mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, friend and loving life partner to Jake Doerksen for 64 years, passed away August 1st, 2019 after a three month struggle with pancreatic cancer. Anne lived a full life, demonstrating almost limitless energy, sharing her amazing gifts of hospitality, cooking, caregiving, a warm sense of humour and inclusive love with her family, friends and countless guests in the communities where she lived and served. Anne’s strong faith in God and love for others guided her life decisions as she provided essential support and encouragement for family, farming, community and church ministry. Anne loved her family, Oceanside strolls, vacations, flowers, welcoming new and known people into her home, taking photos, family history, singing, playing music, whistling, beautiful sunsets and vast landscapes. She enjoyed collaborating with others, including editorial roles for Gem history books. Anne’s presence will be fondly missed by her husband Jake, her five children and spouses, Ken (Sharon); Arno (Wanda); Cheryl Hildebrand (John); Gerry (Donna); Tim (Yvonne), her 12 grandchildren and seven spouses, her 11 great grandchildren, Anne’s remaining siblings and extended families and all who have shared at her table. Anne was born December 24th, 1931 in Cereal, Alberta to David and Anna Wiens. Her childhood was spent in East Coulee, Alberta, and she completed public school in Gem, Alberta. Before marriage in 1955, Anne studied in Calgary and worked as a Nursing Aid in Bassano, Gleichen and Brooks, and attended Bible School in Coaldale. Anne and Jake lived and farmed in Gem until 2012, when they retired to Strathmore, where they engaged with their condo and church communities, and soon had many new friends. Anne was predeceased by parents, David and Anna Wiens, brothers John Wiens and George Wiens and great granddaughter Madison Rose Doerksen. We would like to thank Anne’s doctors and medical staff and the staff of Prince of Peace Manor (Calgary) where Anne and Jake have lived since May for the excellent care that Anne received. Memorial services were held on Friday, August 9th at 11:00 AM from Strathmore Alliance Church. Rev. John Duerksen officiating. A private interment was held at the Gem Cemetery. In memory of Anne, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to either Camp Evergreen, Box 492, Sundre, Alberta T0M 1X0 or Charity of Choice.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to:
SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD. AND CREMATORIUM
BROOKS, ALBERTA
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