Hazel (Christian) Friess January 31, 1923 - November 2, 2012 Hazel passed away peacefully at St. Joseph's Hospital in Estevan, Sask. on November 2, 2012 surrounded by the love of her family. Hazel Marwood Christian was born on January 31, 1923 to Clint and Eleanor (McAdam) Christian. Her birth on the family farm near Beaubier (Lake Park at the time) was celebrated by two sisters Eleanor and Belva. A few years later the three sisters were thrilled when brother Arthur arrived. Hazel attended school at Cluse Valley, Beaubier Elementary and Lake Alma High Schools. After leaving school, she was employed as a Mother's helper at various homes in the district. Some of the homes were, Sullands, Al Johnson, Peter Johnson, Lohses, Larsons, Emils, and Yorks. She later worked at the Bromhead Hotel, The Canada Cafe and St. Joseph's Hospital. Hazel married Emmanuel Friess on September 29, 1947. On March 13, 2009 Emmanuel passed away, but she often spoke of how she still felt his presence; and remembered the many good times they had during their 62 years of marriage. They had a companionship and devotion to each other that held them together through thick and thin times. They loved to dance and did so as often as possible. Many hours were spent playing cards with their friends. They also enjoyed sitting and talking; if one didn't remember a date or a name the other one did! Hazel was a devoted mother to Merridith (Glen Walton), Gaylene Friess, Bryan Friess, Lynette (Tim Groenendyk) and Darrell (Carla Sheane) Friess. She always felt blessed to have her five children, her six grandchildren, Amanda (Bill Hopper), Adam, Joshua (Missy), Sasha (Shamus), Sabrina (Cory) and Sarah who was cherished. Her last couple of years were brightened further by the arrival of two great grandsons, Liam Hopper and Ethan Richards. Hazel is also survived by her sister, Belva Johnson of Weyburn; sisters-in-law, Katherine Gjovig of Crosby, N.D. and Bella Schell of Lethbridge, Alta.; brothers-in-law, Andrew (Emily) Friess of Nanaimo, B.C. and George Gress of Estevan; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by sister, Ruby; sister and brother-in-law, Eleanor and Harvey Larson; brother and sister-in-law, Arthur and Helen Christian. She is also predeceased by Emmanuel's siblings, Monica and John Bachmeier, Anton and Marianne Friess, Mathilda and Kundas Schnell, Edith and Anton Messer, Bertha and Gregor Messor, Casmier and Gerda Friess, Bill Schnell, Harry Friess, Margaret and Willie Snider, Henry Gjovig and Emelia Gress. Mom often spoke of her gratitude for all the help she received from her son, Bryan, who took over where Dad left off. Mom would not have been able to have continued her independent life at Sussex if she hadn't had her two sons close and her very special friends and neighbours, John and Rose, Mable, Emil, Isabelle, Rene and Lorraine. There are no words that convey our gratitude to each and every one of you. There will be no funeral by Hazel's request. Cremation is left in the capable hands of Hall Funeral Services, Estevan. The Interment of ashes took place at St. John's Cemetery, Beaubier, Sask. on Friday, November 9, 2012. The family would like to thank the nursing staff and doctors at St. Joseph's Hospital for their outstanding and compassionate care. Donations in memory of Hazel may be made to St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation, Estevan, Sask.
