Obituaries

July 29, 1943 - March 9, 2025

The world lost a true traveller, faithful servant of God, and steadfast soul when Millie Friesen set off on her final journey with the Lord's embrace as her destination on March 9, 2025, at the age of 81.

Millie was never one to stay still for long. From the bustling streets of Cairo to the green hills of Ireland, she collected stamps in her passport and friendships in her heart. With her dear friend and travel companion, Karen, she crossed oceans, walked ancient roads, and proved time and again that adventure has no age limit.

At home, Millie was a public health nurse, a calling she embraced with compassion and dedication throughout her career. A favourite part of her work day was working with new mothers and their babies. In retirement, she was generous with her time, caring for those living with disabilities, making home visits and being available to make sure that others got the care they needed. Millie poured love into her work, just as she did into her family, her faith, and friendships.

Millie will be deeply missed by her children, Greg and Heather; her grandchildren, Jakob, Delaney, and Sloane; her sisters, Evelyn and Lorraine; and many other loving friends & family. She now joins her beloved husband, Peter, together in eternity, in the presence of their Lord.

Millie’s hands were rarely idle, when she wasn’t cross-stitching, she was shuffling a deck of cards, always ready for a good game and even better conversation with her friends. She was a loving and caring grand- and great-grandmother.

A Memorial Service, officiated by Jan Heppner, will be held on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 2:00 PM (PDT) at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. A reception will follow at the Springfield Family Centre, where stories will be shared, memories cherished, and a toast raised to a life well-lived.

For those who knew her, Millie would likely say: “Don’t mourn too long - there’s still so much of God's creation to see.”

Condolences, photos, and memories may be sent to the family by visiting her obituary page at www.springfieldfuneralhome.com/obituaries/friesen-millie (click matching link below).

• Mar 16, 2025
  My condolences to Millie's family. Millie was a special and kind health nurse for our children. It was great to see her once in a while through the years at church or in the community and have a little chat of a smile. May God comfort you as you grieve her loss. - Janneke Smith
• Mar 16, 2025
  I miss Millie so much,Phyliss and Millie spent to much time together, as we were sick, She would go see Phyliss and then stop at my home on her way home,this has gone onfor some time, Can not exprese my sorrow, I have run out ot tears, She now in Heaven , Thank God. - norma swaim
• Mar 16, 2025
  To Millie’s family,
  
  Hold your wonderful memories close to your hearts to help you heal in the coming days.
  
  Millie was our health nurse, she was so kind and loving, always so supportive especially with our colicky baby.
  
  Fond memories.
  
  Sincerely - Darlene Bottomley
• Mar 15, 2025
  To the Friesen family, Millie was the public health nurse when my babies were born. I don’t think I would have made it without her. She always had time for me and to answer any questions, no matter how lame they were. Then, in the past ten years , I was fortunate to run into her now and then and formed a friendship on a different level.Millie was kind, caring, funny and very spiritual. I’m sure she is looking down at us all with a smile right now, happy to have rejoined her family. - Ann Falkenberg
• Mar 15, 2025
  Millie was our health nurse when my oldest kids were babies. They are 30 & 26 now. She always showed compassion, understanding and knowledge to us and I’ve never forgot her or her kindness. She cared not only about my babies, but asked questions and made sure I was doing ok as a new mom as well. Rest in Peace, Millie. We will always think of you fondly - Trixie Sylvester
• Mar 14, 2025
  My son is 39 and daughter is 36 now, and Millie was their nurse after they were born. She even came to our house to weigh our kids. Saw her many times for their checkups in Westbank. She put a new mom at ease, and answered all questions. So sorry for your loss. RIP Millie - Deb Schramm
• Mar 13, 2025
  This woman was the one nurse that showed me such kindness when I had my daughter many years ago, I was a young mom, so many treated me like I was a young mom that knew nothing, she treated me like I was human and had motherly instincts and knew I could care for my child and gave me the confidence to do so. I was so grateful for her and her knowledge at immunizations and Baby Talk. My thoughts go out to her family as they mourn this beautiful soul. - Shauna M.
• Mar 13, 2025
  To the Friesen Family:
  
  I wish to extend my sincere condolences at the passing of your dear mother. Ricci and I had so many fond memories of spending time with her and your father. I appreciated the influence she had on our boys and the loving care your mom showed as she cared for them at Lakeview Church. I remember her great sense of humor and her caring ways with our students as she administered the "shots" to our students in schools. She was always upbeat, always caring and did her job with
  
  competence. She was one of the truly genuine loving people. I trust you will find strength and comfort at this time knowing she is enjoying her reward in heaven.
  
  I pray that you will get through this difficult time .
  
  - Ed Tonn
• Mar 13, 2025
  Sending my deepest condolences to friends and families! She was my health care nurse in 1980 when I had my first son. Millie was a wonderful nurse! Angie Sikora - Angie Sikora
• Mar 13, 2025
  May God speed you Aunt Mill. You were a very positive influence on my youth... - Bob Horkoff
• Mar 13, 2025
  My deepest condolences to Millie's family,
  
  - Eric Cullen
• Mar 13, 2025
  Millie was our health nurse in February 1984. She was incredibly kind and wonderful. I’ve never forgotten. One day I’ll be able to thank her in person! - Terri Schenk
• Mar 13, 2025
  She was a beautiful, sweet lady, with a quick smile and a twinkle in her eye, I will miss her hugs. - Sheila Haasdyk
• Mar 13, 2025
  Prayers to the family on your loss. Millie was a special person met her through the church, enjoyed her very much had lots of laughs. She will be missed.
  
  Pat Gerlitsch - Pat Gerlitsch
• Mar 13, 2025
  I met Millie through a friend at church. I loved to be around her. She always brought smiles and laughter to those around her. She was very special. I miss her aready but I know we will meet again. - Phyllis Litz
• Mar 13, 2025
  Millie was our health nurse when we had our children years ago. She was very kind and knowledgeable and her compassion and understanding helped many. Our heartfelt condolences to all of her family. Craig and Elena Tostenson - Craig and Elena Tostenson
• Mar 12, 2025
  My heart. Love to you Jakob … what a loss. You know how much I loved your Grandma. Mrs Friesen’s care, smile & hugs take me back to my youngest days. Big hugs all around. A wonderful lady, never to be forgotten. - Robyn McAuley & family
• Mar 12, 2025
  I loved seeing Millie when I had infant daughters. She made everything seem okay. I also enjoyed time with Millie and Peter at ball games when my husband coached Greg. Dennis and I offer our condolences to the family. - Gail Glasscock
• Mar 12, 2025
  My deepest condolences to Millie's family, as you mourn the loss of this wonderful and loving lady. I met Millie over 30 years ago, when I was a new Mom and she ran the public health baby talk program. Her ability to share her wisdom and expertise with such kindness, compassion and humour helped her form deep bonds of trust with new Moms trying to navigate a role that came without instructions. Millie had such a profound and positive impact as I learned to be a parent, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to know and learn from her. - Karen Waldal
• Mar 12, 2025
  our prayers are with your family at this time.
  
  Millie always had time just chat when you saw her anywhere.
  
  She was an awesome nurse and always made our kids feel comfortable when they had to get their "vaccines"..
  
  Rest in peace.... - Irene & Bob Balehowsky

• Make Castanet Your Homepage
• News Tips
• Advertising
• Contact Us