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Gertrude 'Trudy' Dueck (nee Friesen)

March 18, 2021

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April 20, 1933 - March 18, 2021
Safely Home ~ It is with great sadness that we share with you that our, more precious than gold, mom has gone home and is now A citizen of Heaven (Philippians 3:20).
She will be missed by many, today and always. Left to mourn her passing are her children Muriel (Stan), Janet, Doug (Shannon) and Corinne (Dave). Trudy was blessed with 11 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren who wish they had a chance to hug and snuggle with her one last time.
This past year has brought a lot of hardship and pain to families around the world as they were unable to spend cherished time together. Ours was no exception. Trudy put up an amazing fight but ultimately is was her time to be reunited with her loved ones in heaven. Her work here was done.
Trudy was born to Jacob and Gertruda Friesen in Steinbach, Manitoba. She had three sisters and one brother. Growing up in the Great Depression was not an easy time and it was no different in the Friesen home. The children were expected to help on the family farm. School was a luxury and Trudy was only able to attend until Grade 6.
In her late teens, she started working in the kitchen at the St. Boniface Hospital. It was here that she met her late husband, Abe Dueck. The two married in Manitoba in 1953 and started their family with the birth of Muriel followed by Janet 2 years later.
In 1956 Abe, Trudy and their two girls packed up and moved across Canada to Port Alberni B.C. After a short stay there, they moved to Black Creek which they called home for the remainder of their time. It was in Black Creek that the Dueck family grew again with the addition of Doug followed 3 years later by the birth of Corinne.
Trudy will be fondly remembered for her love of cooking and baking. While visiting her home you would first be greeted with a hug from Trudy, followed by the delicious smells of her baking cooling on her counters, a huge pot of soup simmering on her stove or dinner to feed an army cooking in her oven. Where most people would bake and cook enough to feed their own family, Trudy always made enough for many families. She loved to send her visitors away with her food, always made with love.
Holidays and celebrations were a special time for Trudy. She loved putting on "a big splash" with decorations and food. At Christmas, her home would be fully decorated with ornaments and displays. At Easter, the selection of goodies would be endless. Every special occasion included her delicious homemade buns and cheesecake.
The United Mennonite Church was an important part of Trudy's life. She spent many happy hours in the church, whether it be as a volunteer or in worship. She enjoyed her time as a member of the Harmony Hearts where she contributed her skills in noodle making, quilting, catering and fundraising.
Trudy had a unique way of solving problems. For example, if your propane stove flame blows out and the basement is filling with gas, Trudy's solution was to stand back, light a match and throw the match at the stove. Gas problem solved and fortunately no injuries. Unfortunately, every window in the basement was blown out!
Another example of Trudy's problem solving skills is more recent. She had a Yucca plant in the garden that she did not like and an old glider rocking chair in the house that she wanted gone. At the age of 87, with the aid of her walker, she dragged the glider outside and onto the Yucca plant. She then set them both on fire. No more Yucca or chair - problem solved!
Trudy may have been small in stature (barely 5 ft. standing on her tippy toes) but she had a huge heart. She had a quiet spirit and she loved life. Even when she was in pain and asked how she was doing, she would answer, "I'm ok".
Rest in peace Momma, Grandma, GG...
We will love and remember you forever.



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