Grethe Voldike (Jensen) Miller

Grethe (Greta) Voldike Jensen Miller

February 16, 1926 – August 4, 2020

Grethe Voldike Miller passed away at the Swan Valley Health Centre at the age of 94 years.

Grethe was born February 16, 1926 in the small town of Svinnige, Denmark. She was the second youngest of six siblings. When she was a young girl, her parents Hans Kristain and Alfreda Jensen moved the family to the small city of Roskilde.

As a young woman, Grethe worked as an aid in the hospital, during the tail end of the Second World War. Shortly after the war Grethe married and had three lovely daughters.

The marriage dissolved, but resilient Grethe went on to raise her three girls by herself and attained a coveted position at the Royal Mint in Copenhagen.

In 1960 Grethe became acquainted with a gentleman from Canada, who was visiting his family in Denmark. They corresponded through letters and Oluf made a second trip back to Denmark to see his sweetheart again in person the next summer. After his return to Canada, Oluf decided to write Grethe and ask for her hand in marriage, and would she come to Canada.

Grethe decides to take a chance at a new life in Canada, brought herself and her three daughters Anne Marie, Alice, and Solvejg to Canada.

Oluf and Grethe were married in October of 1963. They were blessed with a baby girl in January of 1965. They lived on a small family farm just north of Benito, Manitoba.

Grethe was an excellent cook, loved baking Danish pastries and homemade breads. She also enjoyed sewing, knitting and needlework. She was truly a city girl and she did not enjoy working on the farm or in the garden. That was mine and my dad’s job. I do remember, though, she loved taking supper out to the fields in the fall for a picnic in the stubble.

Grethe loved travelling, making several trips back to Europe and across Canada. My mother gave me the travel bug as I also love seeing the world and its interesting sites. Even in later years, Grethe travelled to visit family and enjoyed many wonderful family holidays and gatherings.

She loved having friends over for tea and dainties, setting a beautiful table.

My mom had an interest talent. She could juggle three to five items and do card tricks, which fascinated me when I was a child. I guess, she could have joined the circus.

Grethe is survived by her daughters and one step son; Anne Marie (Rene) Nepper, Alice (Louis) Bell, Solvejg (Tom) Dianocky, Karen (Neil) Miller Dodd, Lloyd Miller; several grandchildren Glen, Dennis, Wolfram, Sutha, Kala, Patricia, Sherry, Liam, Randy, and Kris; many great grandchildren, nieces and nephews in Denmark; and a sister Iris.

Grethe was predeceased by her husband Oluf; parents Hans Kristain and Alfreda Jensen; sisters Rikka, Sonja, Tova; brother Eric; and granddaughter Tormaline.

In keeping with Grethe’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a small private family memorial service will be held.

If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Canadian Mental Health Association  Swan River Branch or to a charity of one’s choice.

Swan Valley Funeral Services

363 Kelsey Trail, Swan River, Manitoba

204-734-5775 www.swanvalleyfuneralservices.com

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