DUECK, Susanne Dueck

On December 9, at the age of 92, our beloved mother, Oma, and Great-Oma was graciously welcomed into the eternal presence of her Lord and Saviour. Susan was born in Steinfeld, Ukraine, to Johann and Susanna Friesen. From an early age, her life was shaped by resilience, faith, and the steady love of God.

Her early years were marked by hardship, yet even as a young child she carried a quiet strength. When she was about five, she and her brother witnessed their father being taken by soldiers, never to return. After her mother remarried, the family fled to Poland, where her stepfather was also taken into the German Army and did not come back. These profound losses, along with the challenges of displacement and separation, shaped Susan’s gentle courage, deep compassion, and unwavering trust in God.  During their journey, Susan had been separated from her family for five months before they were reunited. After the war, MCC arranged passage for her family and many other Mennonites on one of several ships from Germany to Paraguay, offering hope, safety, and a fresh start.

In Paraguay, Susan met the love of her life, John Dueck. They married in 1953, welcomed two children, and in 1957 immigrated to Winnipeg, MB to begin a new chapter. Three more children were born there before the family settled in Kelowna in 1967 and joined the Kelowna MB Church. Susan devoted herself to her family, worked many years at the Kelowna Packing House, and created a warm and welcoming home. She loved cooking and baking, visiting with friends and relatives, and serving others through the MCC Thrift Store and quilting blankets for MCC. Her generosity and servant-hearted spirit were expressions of her deep faith.

After retiring in 1991, Susan and John enjoyed travelling, but their greatest joy was being actively involved in the lives of their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. As Oma and Great-Oma, she loved each one deeply, and she will be profoundly missed.

Susan was predeceased by her husband, John, in 2021, and by her eldest son, Erich, in 2024. She is lovingly remembered by her children Alfred (Elaine), Bernie, Maryanne (Steve), John (Jo-Ann); daughter-in-law, Lois; eleven grandchildren Charmaine (Craig), Michelle, Shelli, Brent, Scott, Kimberly, Jennifer (Cody), Alexander (Carly), Rachel, Courtney (Roche), and David (Tina); and seven great-grandchildren Neriah, Ellie, Cohen, Isaiah, Zachariah, Levanie, and Makaio.

She will also be cherished in memory by her brothers Frank (Anna) Friesen and Alfred (Linda) Hecht, and her sister Helen (Wayne, deceased) Toews. She was predeceased by her sisters Elsa (Henry) Dueck and Johanna (Alan) Toews, and her brother Rudy (Leslie, deceased) Hecht.

The family is grateful for the compassionate care Susan received at SunPointe Village.

A private family gathering will be held in her honour.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to MCC.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”   – 2 Timothy 4:7

“Be strong and of good courage, for the Lord your God is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”    – Deuteronomy 31:6

“Meine Zeit steht in deinen Händen.”  (My time is in Your hands.)   – Psalm 31:15

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