TIESSEN, Agatha Tiessen

She was the youngest of twins and the 6th addition to the family of immigrants new to the country – the Justina and Wilhelm Dick family.  Her siblings were Annie (and Neil Konrad), Jake (and Agnes) Dick, Bill (and Mary) Dick, Herm (and Elizabeth) Dick , and her twin brother John (and Amy) Dick.  Aggie is survived only by Her dear sister-in-laws Elizabeth and Amy.

On April 30, 1954, Aggie married Harry Tiessen who predeceased her in 2018.  They had a colourful life together for 64 years, sharing many up and downs, joys and sorrows, battles with nature and the odd natural disaster. Together they had 3 children Cathie (and Garry) Penner, Roger (and Laura) Tiessen, and the late Connie Tiessen.  Special Niece Linda (and late Gary Dewhurst) and special foster son late Cliff (and late Marion) Hood were always included as part of Aggie and Harry’s family.

She cherished Her in-laws Suzanna and Henry Tiessen,  and her husband’s siblings, Selma (and Harry) Enns, Bill (and

Edith) Tiessen,  and Bertha Tiessen. Bertha survives them all.

Oma Aggie had 12 grandchildren who loved her dearly (2 of which have recently deceased and who were surely waiting for her at the gates of Heaven when she passed) and 14 great great grandchildren (1 who sadly passed away at birth). Aggie was an active grandmother, always interested in what the children were up to and accepted any sort of request if it meant having an opportunity to connect with them. Each grandchild felt that they were special to her and in turn she was very special to them.

Aggie started her career life as admin at Dr Koch’s office in Leamington. Time out to be ‘houseparents’ at a Home for Troubled Boys with her new husband shortly after they were married, was followed by a decade as a farmer’s wife.  With her determination and independant persona  leading the way,  her distaste for farm work and the resulting physical stress found her back in office admin work. She ended her last 13 years in that field as secretary in the lab at Leamington Hospital.  She loved her boss and co-workers there and they loved her. After some devastating fires on the farm, she put her people skills to work and opened a Bed and Breakfast in Leamington.  Aggie’s business savvy and hard work, gained  the respect of the Leamington Chamber of Commerce who eventually turned all accommodation requests, from visitors to Leamington, over to Aggie. Eventually, the long hours and physical work of it took a toll and she sold the business and retired to a cozy small ranch home in a great neighbourhood. That became home for the next chapter of Aggie and Harry’s life.  They made many good memories there, living the dream in their Golden Years.

Aggie lived as the Bible teaches. Love one another.  She lived with compassion and empathy for others.  Family members are reminded often of what a beautiful example she was to the rest of us.  The other thing that she left us with is the value of being fierce, of a ‘get up and go’ attitude, of believing in yourself, of taking risks, of thinking outside the box, of getting up and getting the job done!  Thank you mom for all of the lessons you taught us.

Thank you for the many beautiful flowers and your loving support through these days as we remember Aggie.  Donations can be made to Leamington Mennonite Home or Leamington Hope Centre.

Last but not at all least, the family wishes to thank the Leamington Mennonite Home and Pastor Ruth Boehm of Faith Mennonite Church for their dedicated and professional care for both Aggie and Harry over the past 15 years.

You were something special Aggie. Til we meet again. 🩵

A memorial visitation & service will be held at the Faith Mennonite Church (269 Sherk St, Leamington) on Saturday October 11, 2025 from 9:30 until service time at 11:30.