Justina (Jessie) Francisco

Justina Francisco (nee Driediger) was born in Hussar, Alberta  on March 14, 1933, and passed away on June 23, 2026.

She was the eighth child of Dietrich D. Driediger and Katarina Falk.

The family immigrated from Steinfeldt Russia (Siberia), and obtained their visas and support here in Canada from the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC).

Justina's siblings were Tina, Jack, Marie, Dirk, Sarah, David, Margaret and Anne. Jessie was the last surviving child of the family. After Hussar, the family moved to Langley B.C. There they built the house the family would live in until Jessie left for Bible School at Berean Bible College in the early 1950s. There she met George Irving Francisco, and the two were married in 1954. George and Jessie had four sons: Philip James, Kevin Thomas, Russell John and Rodney Paul.

George Irving passed away at the age of 96 in March 2026. Jessie Francisco was a pastor’s wife to George as they both served God in ministry across western Canada in their first pastorate in Red Deer, Alberta followed by Edmonton (Fundamental Baptist Church), Mayland Heights Baptist Church (now Crossroads), Berean Bible College (administration), and Brandon Alliance.

She had wonderful gifts in both music and art and pursued both in the spare time she had raising four sons. One of her favourite hymns was "Jerusalem" and her many watercolour paintings will be treasured heirlooms of her extended family, including: six grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Jessie was a caring, loving and generous mother and she will be greatly missed by her entire family and many friends.

A memorial service will take place on July 23, 2026 at  1:00 pm. Varsity Bible Church (4807 Valiant Drive NW).

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