A Lifetime of Caring – Hilde Wiebe Retires

Hilde Wiebe came to Menno Place in April 2013 as the Executive Director of Care Services. She earned her Registered Nurse Diploma in Alberta and her Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing from the University of Victoria, BC. From the onset of her nursing career, her focus and energies have been directed towards care for seniors. She has served in the capacity of general duty nurse, nurse manager, Director of Care and Director of Resident Programs in residential care facilities within Fraser Health. With 40 years of nursing experience, Hilde brought a level of wisdom and expertise to Menno Place that shaped the culture of care in dramatic and lasting ways. In the five years she spent as a part of the Executive Team an Menno Place she revealed a grace under pressure that set the tone for the entire campus of care.

Hilde retired from Menno Place at the end of May, and many people from around campus and others from the community gathered to honour the legacy she leaves behind as she transitions into retirement.

“What an honour it has been to work with such a strong woman of grace,” began Karen Baillie, CEO of Menno Place, as she extended an invitation for those gathered to share about the impact Hilde has had over the course of her career.

Keith Anderson served as the interim CEO of Menno Place, and is the one who hired Hilde as Executive Director of Care. He came for the afternoon, and spoke to Hilde’s exceptional leadership abilities and the way he witnessed her embody all the key characteristics of an effective leader.

A stream of people lined up to share how Hilde has professionally impacted the healthcare industry in the Fraser Valley, and also how her patience and care deeply and personally impacted their lives.

Hilde not only leaves behind her an improved culture of care, and a group of people who call her a friend, but a physical reminder of the legacy of compassion she built during her tenure at Menno Place. Over the last several months Hilde has pieced together a beautiful quilt that will become part of the Passing Quilt ritual at Menno Place. Over the last two years, the tradition of using a special quilt through the end-of-life journey has become a profound part of the Menno Place community. Covering a body with a quilt is a dignified way for a resident to leave Menno Place for the last time, as they journey from this life to eternity. Ingrid Schultz, chaplain at Menno Home, spoke about how quilting is a symbol of piecing little things together to create something big and beautiful. Hilde’s quilt will serve as both a physical and emotional comfort to those at Menno Place who continue to serve our residents.

Jeanette Lee, the Director of Human Resources at Menno Place, shared a blessing for Hilde and her husband John as they move into a new stage of their lives, 

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).

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The Executive Director of Care Services role has been assumed by Janet Bergen, who comes to Menno Place with a wealth of experience and an excitement to continue the work of building a compassionate care environment. Janet has recently served as Executive Director of Care at Evergreen Baptist Care Home. She has also served as Regional Manager Clinical Services for Revera,  Director of Care at Tabor Home as well as previously serving as the Resident Care Manager at Menno Home.