RENE NEUFELD Irene (Loewen) Neufeld passed away peacefully at Grace Hospice very early on Thursday, September 29, 2016, at 90 years of age, surrounded by her family throughout her struggle with illness. She is survived by her loving husband, Abe, with whom she celebrated 70 years of marriage in August, her three sons and their spouses, Tom (Rebecca), Charles (Bonnie), and Gareth (Kathleen), grandchildren, Kristin (Jerry), Jonathan (Tricia), Simon (Judith), Sara (Matthew), David (Gina), and Miriam, and great-grandchildren Naomi, Micah, Eliza, Nora, and Adeline. She is mourned by one surviving sibling, Elsie (Jake Bergen), and sisters-in-law Mary Loewen, Helene Neufeld, Lottie Durksen, and Kathie Fast. Irene had a rich life of service to God, church, and the countless persons whose lives intersected with hers. She was a wonderful singer, gifted teacher, tireless missionary, and perceptive counselor.

Her life in ministry together with Abe took place in Canada, USA, Germany, Switzerland, and two decades in their beloved Austria. She loved lavishly and in turn received the love not only of her family, but of countless others who were blessed by her motherly love.

The family wishes to thank the many who offered care, support, and prayer: family and friends, pastors and members of their home congregation Elmwood Mennonite Brethren Church, the caring and skilled staff at Concordia, Riverview, and Grace Hospice, and the staff and residents at Donwood, their home. Visitation will take place at Friends Funeral Service, 2146 Main Street from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 2 (brief devotional at 3:15 p.m.). The funeral will take place at North Kildonan Mennonite Brethren Church, 1315 Gateway Road on Monday, October 3 at 11:00 a.m., with refreshments and interment to follow. In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Irene may be sent to Mennonite Brethren Mission, 1310 Taylor Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3M 3Z6.

As published in the Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 1, 2016,

2014 Winnipeg doesn't just have one senior of the year

This year, 2014, the Mayor's Senior of the Year Award went to a couple who have been "friends for 74 years and married for 68 of those years."

The city's outgoing mayor, Sam Katz, presented Reverend Abe and Irene Neufeld with the award Tuesday.

Both were immigrants to Manitoba when they were children. After World War II, the couple moved their young family to help displaced people in Europe.

In more recent years, they have retired and been involved in Winnipeg's Elmwood Church.

Abe began his remarks with a prayer, then with a thanks to the person who wrote the letter nominating the couple. "We could hardly recognized ourselves in that letter," he joked.

"We thank God for his faithfulness to call us into service and to supply us with the strength and the know-how of how to meet people who are in need in a different level of their lives," he said.

Irene said it was the couple's religious faith and their love for people that has carried them through the years.