Susanna Neufeld

Susanna (Goerzen) Neufeld was born on August 15, 1925 in Namaka, Alberta and passed away at the age of 95 on Monday, February 1, 2021 in Olds, Alberta. She is predeceased by her husband of almost 68 years, Frank; her parents, David and Susanna Goerzen; Her sister, Mary; Brothers, David, Henry and Martin; brothers-in-law, Peter Issac and Ed Peters. As well as in-laws, Ben and Olga, Henry and Ellen, Henry and Edna, Reuben, David and Martha, John and Selma Neufeld, Andrew and Frieda Derksen, Abe Martens, Henry Bartsch, Alex Christensen, and Souk and Mouy Chanthavong.

She is lovingly remembered by her children, Murray (Heidie) Neufeld, Brian (Charlene) Neufeld and Maxine (Peter) Janzen; her grandchildren; Shauna (Duane) Bates, Nathan (Candace) Neufeld, Cory (Dana) Maennchen, Reg (Lindsey) Neufeld, Tessa Janzen, Kelsey Janzen, Shane (Jenna) Janzen; great grandchildren, Emily and Brennan Bates, Noah, Ambrose and Oscar Neufeld, Reuben and Sabrina Maennchen, Ayla Neufeld and Audyn Janzen.

Also lovingly remembered by her sisters, Kathy, Margaret and Elsie; brothers, Leonhard and Ernie; In-laws, Margaret, Mary Ann, Marilyn and Erna Goerzen, Leonard and Ann Neufeld, Edna Neufeld, Esther Christensen and the Chanthavong family.

Susie was born in a pig barn in Namaka, Alberta, from there her family moved to their farm in the Rosebud coulee near Crossfield. She spent her childhood with her 9 siblings, playing games outside, running through the hills and working hard at whatever chores needed to be done. She learned to knit, embroider, crochet and quilt – skills she enjoyed her whole life. Susie completed grade 9 and then helped out at home and in her community. She attended MBI where she accepted Jesus. Church was a large part of Susie’s whole life. She loved to teach Sunday School and take part in whatever she could within her community. Eventually she went to Calgary and worked for a lovely family as a maid.

She met Frank Neufeld growing up in the same church. Even though she wasn’t smitten at first, they were married on April 7, 1951. Frank and Susie were inseparable from that time on. Their love and devotion to each other was undeniable. They first lived in a little house near the Bergthal Mennonite Church, where their first son Murray was born. She did the chores, cooked, baked and cleaned while Frank was trucking. They moved to a farm near Didsbury where Brian and Maxine were born. They lived their until they retired. Susie loved to garden and preserve her vegetables. She grew beautiful flowers of every kind. Her freezer was always full of buns, bread and cookies; enough to feed a large group. Her house was always filled with guests, lifelong friends and family, and there was always room for new friends. She loved to feed people and enjoyed spending time with friends of all ages. Stock Ticker and a sizzling jar of cukes (along with other goodies) were enjoyed by many youth. She enjoyed special times with a grandmother and her grandchildren from Pennsylvania, as well as other friends through Mennonite Your Way. She loved and adored her adopted family from Laos. The times spent together with the Chanthavongs were priceless for Susie.

Susie was a devoted mother. Her strong heart and open arms were obvious. She loved unconditionally. Her excitement at each new addition to the family was strong and heartfelt. Susie had a few sayings that often guided her actions. “Do what you do well.” “If it hurts, just work a little harder.” She did her best in everything and just kept working. Her hands were never idle. Susie made hundreds of hand-tied quilts for MCC over her many years. She made sure each family member had a quilt or two, a set of embroidered pillowcases,  doily and handmade treasures she created so lovingly.

Susie was a prayer warrior. She spent hours praying for each member of her family, each friend and acquaintance. Her belief and trust in God was so strong and unwavering. One of her favourite verses was Psalm 27:1-3, “The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?...”

Susie will be missed by so many, but her legacy of selfless hospitality and generosity will always be remembered.

A special thank you to all the staff at the Seasons Olds Retirement Community and the Olds Hospital and Care Centre for their kindness and care for Susie.