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HELENA SIEMENS (DYCK)
Born: Jan 29, 1919
Date of Passing: Jan 13, 2013
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryHELENA SIEMENS (nee DYCK) Helena Siemens, aged 93, passed away peacefully in the early morning, Sunday, January 13 at Concordia Hospital with loved ones by her side. Family left behind to cherish her memory are; Henry and Margaret Siemens with children Diana Giesbrecht, Donna Siemens (Orest Andrews), Hank Siemens; Lena Goertzen with children Darlene and Randy Fast, Paula and Steve Ernst, and daughter-in-law Jennifer Goertzen; Peter and Carol-Ann Siemens with daughter Shannon (Kenton Friesen) and Shannon's mother Barbara Siemens. She also leaves behind 13 great-grandchildren. Helena was predeceased by her husband Henry Siemens, son-in-law Irv Goertzen, grandson Karl Goertzen and granddaughter Kirstin Siemens. Helena Siemens was born on January 29, 1919 in the village of Neuendorf, Ukraine to Isaak and Helena Dyck. Unfortunately she never knew her parents as they died, only one month apart, when she was 10 months old. No family was able to take all four of the sisters so they were separated, each to be raised by different families. Initially Mom was sent to live with her paternal grandparents. Oma Dyck died shortly thereafter and Mom was then raised by family and friends depending on who had the means to look after her. Mom married Henry Siemens on November 26, 1939. The late 1930s and early 1940s were wartime and Dad was forced to enlist with the German Army. Mom, alone with two children and one on the way, was forced to leave the Ukraine in 1943. The last time she saw her husband was in 1944. Mom raised us to the best of her ability first in a refugee camp in what now is Poland and later in 1948, with the help and sponsorship of her oldest sister Tina Schellenberg, in Canada. From then until 1958, our family lived in Gruenthal and Winkler where Mom cleaned churches and hoed sugar beets to support us and pay off her immigration debts. That year Mom moved us to Winnipeg, despite her lack of English, as she wanted the best opportunities for her children. In Winnipeg, Mom cleaned houses for many families until her retirement at age 65. Mom was thankful for all she had, every day, no exceptions. Her faith in God got her through all her trials in life and helped her be thankful for all her blessings. Family was everything to her; whether it was talking on the phone with her sister Margaret, going for rides in the country with her children, playing Skipbo and having tea and lemon with her grandchildren, or baking cookies for her great-grandchildren. Mom had a deep love for God and friendship with Jesus. She prayed that each one of us would come to know Jesus as our personal Lord and Saviour. Mom has been the rock in our family and taught all of the children, and later on the grandchildren and great-grandchildren, that we should seek to lead full and peaceful lives. We will miss her dearly but know that she has gone to Heaven to be with God and all the family and friends that have gone before her. A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 18, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Friends Funeral Service, 2146 Main Street, with a light lunch to follow. Private family interment will take place in Glen Eden Memorial Gardens.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 16, 2013
Condolences & Memories (14 entries)
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My mom, Mrs. Shirley Scanlan was the neighbor of Mrs. Siemens while she lived across the hall from my mom. When I went to visit my mom we would always knock on your mom's door just to say "hello" and your mom would always hug me so warmly and say she loved me and my mom! We will miss your mom and have missed your mom since she did move away, but I know she is safe, young and healthy with our Jesus and lord Savior in heaven! RIP.... XOX - Posted by: Shauna Scanlan (Shirley Scanlan's daughter who had the pleasure of Mrs. Siemen's hugs while she lived at 1080 Hender) on: Jan 26, 2013
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I remember Mrs. Siemens visiting my Oma, Anna Warkentin, and being included in her birthday celebrations at the Henderson apartment. Whether in church, or otherwise, she always had a friendly smile; offered a kind word, and was genuinely interested in our family's well-being. We extend our sincere sympathy to the Siemens family. - Posted by: Helga (Born) & Frank Stecky and Born family (Mrs. Siemens friend's granddaughter and high school friend of Diana (Helena's granddaughter)) on: Jan 24, 2013
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I feel privileged to read the obituary of this wonderful woman called Omah. What a legacy she has left and I can see how she has influenced the lives of you - her children and grandchildren - passing on her love of the Lord and her strong, enduring faith! What a blessing she has been! - Posted by: Peggy A MacKay (friend ) on: Jan 21, 2013
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My thoughts and prayers go out to the nuclear family as well as the extended one as I think of how many losses you have endured over the years. I know Tante Lena did not see herself as a victim and wanted to be more than a survivor. She did this by raising three beautiful children as a single mom. I can see that her legacy has gone far into the future already. My condolences to Lena, Henry and Peter on the loss of their mother. Also, with the loss of Karl and Irv before that, I know it seems more than a bit much to bear. You are thus in my prayers and thoughts as you try to cope with these compounding losses. mm - Posted by: Maria Siemens Matty (niece ) on: Jan 20, 2013
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I have wonderful memories of visiting "Tante Helen" with my Tante Liesa in her apartment on Henderson. Always ready with a huge smile and a solid hug. My deepest condolences and prayers go out to her family as you both mourn and rejoice her home-going. - Posted by: Rhonda Epp (nee Martens) (Niece to Elizabeth Martens, Helen's longtime friend, so in my heart she became my "Tante Helen" too) on: Jan 19, 2013
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My prayers are with you at this time of mixed sorrow and rejoicing now that Dear Oma is in Heaven and free of all pain. My heart aches for you Lena and your family. Much Love always. - Posted by: Cheryl Midgley (Lena Goertzen's sister-in-law) on: Jan 18, 2013
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I loved my Great Oma, she is an inspiration to everyone <3 - Posted by: Christina Fast (great-grand daughter) on: Jan 18, 2013
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My condolences to all the Siemens family on the loss of your wonderful mother and grandmother. I always looked forward to Tante Lena's visits, and was so blessed when she made the effort to attend my wedding. Tante Lena had the rare gift of making everyone feel that they were the most loved person in her life. I received many warm hugs as she greeted "little Lottchen" and I was sure that I was her favourite niece. I have a feeling she made us all feel that way! She always spoke with immense pride about her children and grandchildren. Tante Lena exemplified a gracious spirit in every encounter I had with her and she leaves a legacy of a godly woman who was forever thankful for her many blessings, despite difficult and challenging life experiences. - Posted by: Charlotte Lepp (Niece) on: Jan 18, 2013
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My thoughts are with all those left behind. What a wonderful mother she was to Henry, Lean, and Peter. What an amazing story to have lived. She was an amazing woman and she will be missed by all who knew her, or just knew of her. - Posted by: Jennifer Goertzen (Grandaughter in law) on: Jan 18, 2013
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Peter and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. You are blessed to have had such a magnificent soul in your lives. I know that Helena will be sorely missed. We wish we were there with you today. - Posted by: Gordon Baltzer (Family friend) on: Jan 18, 2013
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When I think of Tante Lena, the words admiration and respect come to the front of the list. She was an incredible woman that I would have loved to have known better. Her positive attitude will be an inspiration to all who knew her. May her legacy live on in our memories. - Posted by: Ernie Klassen (nephew) on: Jan 17, 2013
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For a petite woman she was a great lady. Always putting others ahead of herself. - Posted by: John and Erna Martens, Rhonda Epp & Shelley Janzen (Cousin) on: Jan 17, 2013
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Hi Peter read your mother's obituary in p.v. She must have been a tremendous person she deserves to be honored. All the best, Frank - Posted by: Frank and Agnes. deFehr (Friend) on: Jan 17, 2013
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Your family is greatly blessed to have had the mother and grandmother that she was. The Lord bless each of you in your sorrow. - Posted by: David & Sara Epp (Friends at NKMC for years and even in Grunthal before that) on: Jan 16, 2013