October 18,1931-June 30,2020
Selma Ella (Krause) Neufeld passed away peacefully on June 30,2020 with her husband, John, by her side. We will miss her enthusiasm for life, sense of humor and big smile.
Selma was born in Langham, SK. As a young girl the family moved to a farm in Rosemary, AB where she grew up working alongside her dad with the planting and harvest. In her later teen years she moved to Calgary where she became a seamstress sewing draperies and slip covers. While attending a church youth group she met the love of her life, John Neufeld. They were married October 30, 1955 and spent the first years of their marriage living and working in Calgary. As time went on their family grew with the addition of three children, Sharon, Ken and Ernie. Then the opportunity came to live and work in John’s hometown of Didsbury so the move was made. Here is where mom started her career in the food industry, first along with John as cooks at the local Bible College, and then her passion for food preparation led her to the local Didsbury hospital kitchen where she worked for 31 years. Starting off with dish washing and after some further schooling she became a Dietary Technician; planning all the meals and supervising all areas of the kitchen. She was also involved in the transition to the new Didsbury hospital kitchen. Selma liked to hire local girls and to this day we still hear “I worked for your mom at the hospital”. Selma also volunteered at many events planning and preparing meals. Selma cherished family times which included many fishing/camping trips. This became an annual event as a family and continued even as the family grew with in-laws and grandchildren. Our last family camp out was in June 2012, Selma’s declining health meant it was sadly time to sell their trailer.
Though mom struggled with many health issues, her attitude remained positive. Often having a cheery comment for the Dr.’s or nurses looking after her. We often heard from different health care staff how they enjoyed Selma and how she could brighten their day. Her faith was important to her and was a source of hope. Selma will be greatly missed by her husband, John Neufeld; daughter Sharon (Larry) Hildebrandt; sons Ken (Nancy) Neufeld and Ernie (Conny) Neufeld; nine grandchildren; thirty one great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and her sisters Anne Braul and Linda Krause; brothers in-law, Dave Neufeld and Leonard (Ann) Neufeld; and sisters in-law Susie Neufeld, Edna Neufeld, and Esther Christianson. She was predeceased by her parents, Jacob and Maria Krause, brother, Jacob Krause, sister, Lena Reimer and numerous brother and sister in laws.
The family would like to thank the Aspen Ridge Lodge staff, Didsbury Hospital staff and Bethany Didsbury staff for the wonderful care Mom has received over the past several years.
A family service took place on July 6, 2020 at West Zion Church Mennonite Church. Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., Didsbury entrusted with arrangements. 403-335-4773.
