Tena Thiessen

Tena Thiessen (neé Mantler), beloved wife of Abe Thiessen, passed away on March 24, 2024, at the age of 93 years.

Tena was born on October 4, 1930, on her parents’ farm five miles north of Coaldale. Tena is survived by her 2 daughters Leona (Sieg) Becker of Calgary, and Pam (Dave) Quinn from the Readymade district, 5 granddaughters: Alyssa (Calvin) Becker-Burns, Caroline (Chris) Thomas, Bonnie (Scott) Quinn/Friesen, Elisabeth (Kyle) Pascal/Timm, and Katie (Dave) Quinn/Mansbridge, 5 great-grandchildren: Peyton and Edward Thomas, Jaxon Pascal, and Brooklynn & Makenna Timm, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Margon Thiessen, Heidi (Rob) Dawson, Arnold (Helen Fast) Thiessen, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Tena was predeceased by Abe, her loving husband for 67 years, her parents Henry & Katarina Mantler, her brothers: Henry, Jim, Peter, Abe, John, and Ed, and her sisters Helen Vogt and Erna Dyck. Tena was the last surviving member of her family.

Tena graduated as an LPN in 1951, in Steinbach, Manitoba, and began her working life in Coaldale’s first hospital. Over her long career she worked in all three of Coaldale’s hospitals, which pleased her. During that time she saw many changes in the medical field. On February 24, 1952, Tena married Abe Thiessen and they made Coaldale their permanent home. They were fond of and loyal to their community.

Tena was a woman before her time in her attitude toward working outside the home. She saw the world and people in a generous light and loved being a nurse, her naturally kind and compassionate personality were a blessing in this job. She also very much enjoyed caring for plants and flowers, and her colorful flower gardens delighted many.

Tena and Abe travelled widely in their years together. She especially enjoyed their trip to Egypt, Jordan, and Jerusalem, and said that it made the Bible stories that she had heard her whole life come alive.

When her daughters were young, Tena sewed them beautiful dresses for special occasions and continued that tradition for her grandchildren. She loved it when her grandchildren and great-grandchildren dropped in and requested a glass of her famous iced tea, and some of her delicious homemade cookies.

Tena had a strong and quiet faith in Jesus Christ and over the years relied on that faith while mourning many family losses. Someone once said that to have a successful life, only three things are required: 1.) Be kind 2.) Be kind 3.) Be kind. That quote describes our mother perfectly. Thank you so much Mom for your amazing legacy.  You will be missed more than you will ever know.

A Visitation took place on Friday, April 5, 2024, at the Coaldale Mennonite Church. A Funeral Service was held at 11:00 AM, on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at the Coaldale Mennonite Church. Tena was privately laid to rest in the Coaldale Mennonite Cemetery prior to her Funeral Service.

Donations in Tena’s name can be made to MCC Alberta.

Please click on the following link to access the video recording of Tena's Service: 

 (4) Coaldale Mennonite Church - YouTube