Venice Friesen Baerg was a precious Wife, Mum, Grammi, Sister, Aunt, Anchor, Prayer Warrior and Confidante. She filled so many roles to so many of us, in her steady, quiet way. Mum was born in Matsqui, British Columbia on October 16, 1955 to Benjamin and Rozella (Toews) Friesen. She often told us of her memories of the fields of daffodils, of picking fruit and the rain in BC - things she missed so much when she moved to the prairies of Alberta. As a child, her family moved to Edberg, Alberta for a short while. The time they lived there was special to her. After moving back to Abbotsford at the age of 9, Mum lost her dear daddy. That night impacted the rest of her life. We love to think that now she is enjoying the presence of her Dad & Mom and baby Katie Jane. Mum & Dad started their life together June 5, 1977. They were married in Abbotsford and for 42 years enjoyed life together. Mum loved and supported Dad in everything he did including his spiritual life, farming in the Swalwell community, EMS and Funeral careers. Together they loved hosting their family and friends at their home. We remember times when people would just show up and they were always welcomed around her table. Mum & Dad enjoyed road trips; traveling to visit us girls making many new friends along the way. The song "Others Lord, Yes Others" was sung at their wedding. This song was the story of her life. She lived a life of service and taught us children the importance of giving and including everyone. Mum was a quiet, safe counsellor and we knew anything we told her would stay with her. She encouraged and helped so many with her words and actions. Having six children couldn't have been easy but she was always patient and gentle with us. Mum always looked forward to the ladies sewing group at church, as working on all the projects brought her great joy. She was also passionate about the Samaritan's Purse Children's Shoe Boxes. She loved filling boxes at the warehouse and readily volunteered her time with her friends multiple times every year. She adored her grandchildren; each one was considered her 'besto' and felt that special connection with her. Reading to them, making quilts and talking to them on the phone are only a few of the things we will remember. Mum loved shopping trips to the city and buying the grandchildren "Grammi jammies" ; pajamas were one of her favourite gifts to them. In 2005, when Mum was diagnosed with cancer, she begged God for at least 10 more years with her family. God answered that prayer by giving us 15 more years of amazing memories. During this time we are so thankful to Dad and how he faithfully cared for Mum. Jesus was so important to her and she spent a lot of time in prayer. Her life and her actions were a picture of Christ. We always knew when we asked her to pray that her prayers would be answered and we still feel covered by them. Before Christmas, her prayer was answered when God gave her a special vision of His powerful grace covering her life. The past few weeks the peace and rest He gave her was very evident, even as she entered heaven. Our hearts hurt and we do not know how we will go on without her, but God. . . Brian Rachel Coby, Spencer, Joey, Emerson Susan Jaxson, Amiyah, Anderson Rebecca Jacob, Benjamin, Joseph, Clara, angel Katie Jane Jonathan & Chyanne; McKinnley, Easton Jennifer Tessa, Hadley Jessica Taylor, Drake Mum had many of us children's friends that considered her their mum. She opened her heart to so many. One of those that lived with them was Lexi (Kendel; Colson, Briar, Jensen). Her siblings -Wilma Esau, Ralph & Elaine Friesen, Joanne Friesen, Janet & Steve Reimer, Brian's siblings- Jim & Marj Baerg, Norma & Ray Koehn, Diane & Lloyd Harder, Jeanette & Reuben Mandel In the words of mum- I like you most, I'll make you toast. When we're apart, you're in my heart. We won't say good-bye we'll say see you soon. We are so grateful for the special role Aunt Janet played in Mum's battle with leukemia. It was a huge sacrifice for her and one we will never forget. Memorial Donations may be sent to: Swalwell Country Church, Box 392, Linden, AB, T0M 1J0 Dontations in Venice's memory will go to the sewing circle. Funeral Service 11:00 am Thursday, January 30, 2020 Swalwell Country Church Box 392 Linden, Alberta, Canada T0M 1J0