Freda Andem

Freda Wiebe Andem passed away peacefully in her sleep at WellQuest Senior Living on September 25, 2024, following a long struggle with Parkinson’s-related dementia. She is survived by two daughters: Jennifer Sandlin and Diana Holland; six grandchildren: Stephanie Maifield, Michael Sandlin, Shelby Arriaga, Sara Zaccari, Tyler Sandlin, and Ashley Sandlin; and eight great grandchildren: William Sandlin, Casen Maifield, Lane Sandlin, Cashlyn Maifield, Lucy Arriaga, Max Arriaga, Jude Sandlin, and Aila Zaccari. She was predeceased by her husband Bill Andem; her parents, Aron and Elizabeth Wiebe; her siblings Kae Isaaks, Lucy Epp, Aron Wiebe, Martha Wiebe, and adopted brother Abe Thiessen.

Freda was born to Aron Peter Wiebe and Elizabeth Delesky Wiebe on October 7, 1928, in Watrous, Saskatchewan. The last of five children, she was the first to be born in North America, following the family’s emigration from Prangenau, Molotschna, Ukraine, in May 1928. They made their home in Winnipegosis, Manitoba, in 1930, where Freda attended school. In 1941 the family moved to Yarrow, British Columbia, where Freda was baptized into the Yarrow Mennonite Brethren Church on August 3, 1947.

Freda emigrated to the United States and became a citizen in 1962. She took a job at Hartford Insurance, where she met her future husband, Bill. They married on August 29, 1959, and were married for almost 61 years before he went home to Glory in August 2020. 

Freda was adventurous, creative, and naturally artistic. She received her certificate in fashion design from Diablo Valley College. Throughout her life she sewed, quilted, decorated cakes, drew, painted, knitted, embroidered, and cross-stitched. Most of her artwork and crafts were given to friends, church staff members, missionaries, and non-profit organizations.

Freda’s Mennonite roots were foundational to her personal faith in Jesus Christ, and her unwavering love for the Lord and for his Word was evident to all she met. She had a heart for children and evangelism, and she was a witness for her Lord and Savior throughout her life. Her favorite Bible passage was Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.