Obituary of Susie Friesen Hodges
Susie Erna Freisen Hodges of Red Deer, Alberta passed away at her home on November 14, 2024, at the age of 91 years.
Susie was born in 1933, in Winkler, Manitoba, sixth out of eight children. Her Mennonite parents had left Ukraine (then USSR) in 1926. Her father, a flour miller, later moved the family to Hague, then Radisson, Saskatchewan, finally settling in BC on farms in Mission and Matsqui. She graduated from the Mennonite Educational Institute, Abbotsford, then from the University of BC as a schoolteacher.
In 1955, Susie married Alec Harshenin and raised four children, whose musical education was a priority. She taught high school English for 25 years. Alec died suddenly in 1977, and in 1982, Susie married John Hodges, who had five children. Soon after, the blended family moved to Rome, Italy where John worked for the United Nations. Susie embraced Italian life, language and culture while caring for her large family of nine children. She often accompanied John on international trips. Susie had deep compassion for refugees, and assisted those arriving homeless in Rome from Poland, Iraq, Iran, South Sudan and later Jews leaving the USSR.
When John retired from the UN in 1990, and worked for the European Union, they moved to Austria, where she enjoyed skiing, music, people and her first language, German. From there they visited the newly liberated countries of eastern Europe, especially Ukraine, voluntarily mentoring young adults. In her 70s and early 80s Susie accompanied John internationally when he spoke on genetics and ethics. In all, she visited nearly100 countries. Susie was a friend to everyone and hospitable to all. She and John returned to Canada in 2021, settling in Red Deer, where she continued to decline in health, facing it with courage and patience, and dying peacefully in her own home on November 14, 2024. As a teenager Susie decided to follow Jesus, who was central to her life, values and worldview. She loved reading, journalling, music, travelling and people.
Susie is survived by her loving husband John; nine children and families; sixteen grandchildren and families; three great grandchildren; brother Abram (Elfie) as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Susie was predeceased by her parents as well as six siblings.
A celebration of Susie’s life will be held at the First Christian Reformed Church, 16 – McVicar St., Red Deer AB on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 11:00 am. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so from 10:00 am to 10:50 am, prior to the service.
For those unable to attend the service, Livestreaming of the service will be available at:
LIVESTREAM
Susie Friesen Hodges
Saturday November 30, 2024.
10.00 am slides and music: 11.00 am Celebration of Life.
Time zone for Alberta, Canada is Mountain Standard Time (MST),
seven hours behind Greenwich Men Time (GMT)
To find Livestream on Youtube
Go to First Christian Reformed Church Red Deer Alberta
Click Video Streaming
Click Guide to our Youtube page
Choose Funeral for Susie Friesen Hodges
10.00 am with slides of Susie and live music while viewing body
11.00 am Celebration of Life
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed consider to the Canadian registered charity ‘Friends of the Mennonite Centre in Ukraine’ that assists war victims on site. E-transfer or credit card at https://www.mennonitecentre.ca/donate/.
Condolences to Susie’s family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net. Please indicate “Hodges” in the subject line.
Arrangements in care of
Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service
A locally owned cremation and funeral provider
serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta
587-876-4944