Elizabeth Schmidt

Elizabeth Schmidt was born on February 2, 1932, in Paraguay, the oldest of twelve siblings born to Jacob and Elizabeth Dueck.

Elizabeth passed away Saturday, October 10, 2026 at the Resthaven Care Home, in Steinbach, Manitoba.

The first years of her life were spent moving several times until her parents eventually settled in Loma Plata, Paraguay. During her younger years, life was very lean, and as she grew older, Elizabeth began working outside the home to help make ends meet.

Over the years, she held various jobs, including working at a hospital, in a laundry, and at a milk factory, where she made and packaged butter. She later was asked to work at a leprosy clinic in Asunción, Paraguay for six months but ended up staying for a year.

Elizabeth often told the story of how she was given 200 baby chicks that were nearly dead from lack of water. She carefully revived them by giving each one water individually and was proud to say that she did not lose a single chick.

After returning from the clinic, Elizabeth began working in building finishing. Her work included coating and smoothing walls with cement and painting, skills she continued using until she came to Canada in 1970.

Upon arriving in Canada, Elizabeth began working at DeFehr Furniture, where she met he future husband; Herbert. They were married in 1981 and worked together until she retired at the age of 60.

After retirement, Elizabeth and Herbert applied to become foster parents. Together, they cared for 29 little ones, opening their home and hearts to children who needed love and care. One child remained with them for several years, and they tried to adopt her. However, by that time, they were in their 70s, and the agency considered them too old to proceed with the adoption.

In retirement, Elizabeth and Herbert enjoyed taking the bus to Polo Park for breakfast on most days, where they met and visited with many friends. This became a cherished part of their routine until Elizabeth’s legs no longer allowed her to walk to the bus stop.

As Herbert grew too weak to walk and Elizabeth could no longer care for him at home, he moved into Donwood Manor Nursing Home. Elizabeth moved into assisted living until doctors determined that it was no longer safe for her to live on her own. By then, Herbert had passed away on January 31, 2022. Soon afterward, Elizabeth also moved into Donwood Manor Nursing Home, where she lived until 2024. When a place became available at Rest Haven in Steinbach, she moved there and remained until her passing.

Elizabeth will be lovingly remembered by her seven sisters and two brothers: Katharina (John) Giesbrecht of Steinbach, Manitoba; Justina (Diedrich) Giesbrecht of Bolivia; Susanna Matskiw of Inwood, Manitoba; Hilda Harder of Paraguay; Helen Duneanko of Bonneville, Alberta; Olga Hebert of Steinbach, Manitoba; Anna (Peter) Martens of Sarnia, Ontario; David (Agnes) Dueck of Zhoda, Manitoba; and Edwin Dueck of Winnipeg, Manitoba. She is also survived by her brother-in-law Bernie Dueck of Steinbach, Manitoba; as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, Jacob and Elizabeth Dueck; her brother Jacob; her sister Maria Dueck; her brothers-in-law Mike Matskiw, Bernard Harder, Willie Duneanko, Leanard Hiebert; and her sister-in-law Linda Dueck.

The family would like to extend a special thank-you to the staff who provided patience, kindness, and compassionate care for their sister Elizabeth. Your dedication and support are deeply appreciated.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, October 15, 2026 at Crossings Funeral Care, with viewing 1 hour prior to the service. A  reception will be held in the reception centre, following the service. The interment will take place in Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens 4000, Portage Ave, Winnipeg, Manitoba beside her husband Herbert. 

For those unable to attend in person, the family invites you to join them through livestream. See below.