Sophia Lily Goertzen

It is with deep sorrow we announce the sudden passing of Sophia Lily Goertzen, age 17 of Roseau River, Manitoba on Sunday, August 8th, 2021. She is eternally with her Lord and Saviour. Her life was a gift to everyone around her.

Born on November 4th, 2003, at Roseau River Bible Camp, she became the 2nd daughter of six  given to us. Sophie spent her first 8 years of childhood living on site at the camp where her family worked in ministry, and later moved to a country yard north of Roseau River. Here she spent her days with her sisters, helping with the yard work, animals, house chores and learning to trust in Jesus at a young age. She was homeschooled from kindergarten on and in recent years expressed her gratitude for the life she had been given; for the opportunity to be so actively involved with RRBC, to be homeschooled and part of a loving family with parents that love the Lord and have modeled serving him with their whole lives. In her words, "I feel like I've just had the best upbringing possible, being involved with camp, being homeschooled and having Godly parents". She was a ray of light to be with, and had a natural leadership inclination to minister in her unique and unassuming ways.

As a driven individual, Sophie finished her High School education one year early and has spent the last six months working at the St. Malo Co-op Grocery store and doing respite. Other jobs she has had include working at a local strawberry farm and painting for Penner Signs. She got a lot of joy out of these opportunities. Her plans for fall of 2021 were to attend Millar College of the Bible in Winnipeg while living with her maternal grandparents.

She loved music, spending time with friends and cousins, working at camp, snowboarding, journaling and reading just about anything. She had a beautiful appreciation for the smallest things in life.

She desired that everyone would be able to know the peace that Jesus brings within any of life’s circumstances. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Left to grieve are her mom and dad, Duane & Sylvia, and her four sisters: Isabelle (19) and fiancé Joseph Dueck, Payton (13), Willow (11), and Ember (6). Grandparents: Peter & Marilyn Goertzen and Hans & Helen Sawatzky. Aunts and Uncles: Chuck & Danea Lawrenson, Joel & Barb Goertzen, Jon & Megan Goertzen, Lisa Goertzen, Ryan & Laura Allain, and Miranda Sawatzky.  Dear cousins: Mercer & Rachelle, Celeste, Heath, Avril, Phoebe, Takis, Sonnet and Bronte Lawrenson; Jireh, Bowen, Rylan and Sierra Goertzen; Silas, Kingston and Skylah Goertzen; Norah and Tristan Allain.

Viewing will be held on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm in the Roseau River Bible Camp Chapel. An outdoor funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at 4:00pm at Roseau River Bible Camp. Please bring lawn chairs if you are planning to attend the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Roseau River Bible Camp, PO Box 110, Roseau River, Manitoba R0A 1P0

Visit the online memorial GoFundMe, organized by friends of the family.