HELEN FRIESEN (NEUFELD)

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HELEN FRIESEN (nee NEUFELD) August 14, 1933 - June 25, 2018 Our mother Helen (Neufeld) Friesen, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 25, 2018, at the age of 84. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by three sisters and her husband Corny Friesen in 2014. She leaves behind to celebrate her life her four children: Paul, Linda Fast with husband Tom, Menno with wife Liz Plett, and Hanna; her grandchildren: Anton and Connan Friesen, Brendan Fast with wife Jeni, Zakk Fast with wife Kim, and Brooklyn with husband Jason Ulrich; and four great-grandchildren: Julie and Emily Fast, and Ila and Ozlo Fast. She is also survived by her sister Margaret Dyck and many other relatives. Mom was born on August 14, 1933 in Schoenhorst, Ukraine. In 1943, Mom's family was able to flee from the Russians on a freight train, into Germany. It was in 1947 that they finally embarked on the ship "Aquitania" and came to Canada where the loving Letkeman family took them in. Mom worked for a time as a nanny and hoeing beets, and then later worked in sewing factories in St. Pierre and then Winnipeg. She married her beloved Corny on November 16, 1958 and then became a stay-at-home Mom to us kids. In approximately 1966, Mom developed M.S. and her life dramatically changed. Her M.S. got worse over the years, but thanks to Dad's keen interest in health and nutrition, he had her on vitamin supplements which seemed to keep her disease from progressing too quickly. Mom was still able to crochet, which she loved, and she made many afghans which she gave away to friends, family, and to charity. Mom loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren very much and while she was not able to physically participate in their care, she held them up in prayer. Mom did not have an easy life, but her motto was to live it with God's help, "one day at a time". She taught her children about perseverance, the power of prayer and that it was God who saw her through the hard times. In the later years, Mom and Dad both lived at Bethania Haus where Adina and the staff took very good care of them, always going above and beyond what was expected. Later at the Bethania Personal Care home, the staff took loving care of Mom, which we are so grateful for. We also want to thank Dr. Loepp for her many years of kind care and nurturing. We know Mom is in heaven - she is FINALLY able to walk again, with her beloved husband and God her Saviour at her side. We love you, Mom, and will miss you. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 3, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Springfield Heights Mennonite Church, 570 Sharron Bay, Winnipeg, MB with viewing prior to the service. Burial will follow at Glen Eden Memorial Gardens. If friends so desire, donations in memory of Mom may be made to MCC. Arrangements by BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL 1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 30, 2018