Ann "Mama" Giesbrecht"

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing Ann (Friesen) Giesbrecht. Ann was born June 9, 1948, to Jacob and Anna Friesen. She was the youngest of 13 children. As a child and into her youth she led a very interesting life with her parents and siblings with the many moves locally, and the not so local moves to Mexico and Bolivia.

On June 9, 1967, she married her husband, Edwin Giesbrecht. During their marriage they lived in and around Hepburn, and had two children, Ken and Tamara. Throughout the years, they did many odd and different jobs. Ann cooked in several restaurants.

As empty nesters, Ann’s full-time job became taking care of her husband until his passing; these were not easy years. After Ed passed away, Ann filled her days spending time with friends and family. She loved her family deeply and was fondly known as “Mama” by her grandchildren. It was well known that the coffee pot was always on, and a hot meal on the table for anyone that was over. She was the absolute best at making soups.

In the spring of 2015 Mama moved to Sutherland House in Saskatoon. Living in an apartment made it challenging to have family over for meals, so she started baking the monthly birthday cake for the residents. Mama loved trying new recipes and sharing with her many friends and anyone that stopped by.

In 2024 the doctor’s found two major blockages in her heart. With this condition diagnosed, Mama became very aware of her limitations and managed very well with medication and self-awareness. In 2026 she was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. This became a real challenge for her that required a lot of assistance.

Mama was loved by everyone. She had a beautiful smile, her door was always open, and she loved visiting and having coffee with everyone. Cooking was her passion and then baking when she didn’t have enough people to cook for. She was an avid reader, and loved taking care of the flowerpots at Sutherland house so that everyone could enjoy their beauty.

A special thanks to two of the ladies at Sutherland House, Myrna for always bringing her care packages, and Sharon for spending hours with Mama puzzling.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her and shared in her life and love.

Ann “Mama” is survived by children Ken (Sheri) and Tamara (Michael), grandchildren Joel (Rebecca), Stephenie (Cody) and Brandon. Great Grandchildren Brookelyn, Owen and Sawyer and step grandchildren. Sisters-in-law Anne, Ann, Tina, and Sarah, many nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her husband, parents and siblings Abe (Eva), Susan (Dave), Peter (Helen), Mary (Isaac), Jake, Aaron, Mike, John (Agatha), Bill, Neil (Helen), Frank (Sarah), Ed (Betty).

There will be a service honouring Ann’s life at Cherished Memories Funeral Services on May 7, 2026, at 2:00p.m. A short viewing at Cherished Memories followed by interment at Carson Community Cemetery will occur prior to the service.

A livestream link will be available in the coming days for those who are unable to attend in person.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations please be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.