FRIESEN, Madelyn Denise

April 24, 1924 - January 16, 2021

Madelyn passed away quietly and peacefully at home, in the loving care of her daughter and son. Predeceased by her daughter Joanne in 2006 and her son Douglas in 2013, she often said that no one should have to outlive their children. She missed them both very, very much.

Also predeceased by her husband, Dr. Leo Friesen, a general practitioner in Vancouver, and her sister, Marie Shaw.

Survived by her daughter Jane Friesen and her son Peter Friesen, and her beloved grandchildren Rebecca Simonetti (Michael Assiff), Jessica Friesen, Michael Friesen and Lily Friesen. Also survived by her sister Adele Dietterle (Oscar) and her daughter-in-law Ruth Casey.

Madelyn was born and raised in Calgary as part of a warm and loving family. She trained as a dietitian at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, but tragically lost both her father and her fiancé in an RCAF plane crash on the day of her graduation in May, 1945. The following years saw Madelyn living and working in New Zealand and Australia, where she made life-long friends. She returned to Canada, eventually working as a dietitian at Vancouver General Hospital. In 1955 she got a job as a receptionist for a doctor; he was to become her husband Leo. Together they raised four children before Leo passed away in 1983. Madelyn enjoyed travel, and went on many adventures in her later years. In 2007 she moved to Tapestry, an independent living residence, where she met James Maclean, who became her loving companion. They spent wonderful years together, laughing and enjoying one another until his passing in 2014.

A quote from Madelyn: "If things are difficult for you and you're feeling really low, do something nice for someone else. Helping others in need is the best way to help yourself too." She lived her life this way, and there are many people whose lives were changed for the better through Madelyn's generosity and hospitality. Yet she would say it was actually her that benefited most. She was happiest when she had a house full of people that she could provide wonderful meals to. In lieu of flowers, please do something nice for someone who needs it. Madelyn would've liked that.

There will be no service due to Covid 19 restrictions.