Helena Toews was born to her parents Diedrich and Maria Toews in Bergthal, NW of Steinbach on May 19, 1904. She was the 6th child in a family of 10 children of which 4 died in infancy. One brother Derk died in Paraguay at age 21. She was the last surviving child of her parents. Her father was born in Russia and her mother in Toronto while enroute to Canada in 1874. While still single, mom moved with her parents to Paraguay in 1926 but came back to Canada within a few years. She often spoke of how she had enjoyed the ship voyage without getting sick, like many others. Mom enjoyed the warm climate in Paraguay. In the early 1930’s mom was employed in Winnipeg as a live-in housekeeper and caregiver to children. These events broadened her horizons and exposed her to the English culture and language. She spoke often of these families and of her many experiences with them. Upon confession of her faith in Jesus Christ, mom was baptized and received into the fellowship of the Chortitzer Mennonite Church in 1925. On July 10, 1938 she married dad David M. Friesen and became a mother to Ben. Two more children Dick and Mary were added to the family. Her faith was evident to all who knew her, as was her hospitality and ability to serve countless well-prepared meals to family, guests, and relatives. She loved her family and was greatly concerned for their spiritual well being and her desire to meet them all in eternity. God was her strength, Jesus her salvation, her family her purpose, Heaven her goal. Mom experienced a lot of pain and sickness in her life, which she bore patiently. After dad passed away in January 1986, mom missed him dearly and was very lonely. Mom has spent the last 9 years at Resthaven Nursing Home. As she was able she enjoyed the many activities at the home. The last few years were especially hard as her body weakened, but her faith in God and Jesus Christ her Saviour sustained her. She read much in God’s Word and committed much of His word to memory. In the last days when sight was gone she repeatedly said words like “Christi Blut and Gerichtigkeit, das ist mein Schmuck and Ehrenkleid”, also “Bei Ihm zu sein and zu bleiben in alle Ewigkeit.” While with family her candle burned low and flickered last at approximately 6:40 a.m. on Friday, December 31, 1999 and mom went to be with her Saviour. She reached the age of 95 years, 7 months and 12 days. Some of mom’s last words were a prayer “Es geht noch Haus, zum Vaterhaus, kommet alle-da ist noch Raum – denn werden wir uns alle sehen in das Vaterland”. She leaves to mourn her passing and to rejoice in her eternal rest 3 children, Ben and wife Betty Friesen, Dick and wife Peggy Friesen, Mary and husband Peter Wiebe, 12 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and many in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends. page 2 – obit of Helena Toews Friesen The funeral service was held on Tuesday, January 4, 2000 at Silberfeld Chortitzer Mennonite Church with Bishop Dick Wiebe and Pastor Dan Warkentin officiating. Interment took place in the churchyard cemetery. Special thanks to all the people, who have prayed, visited, and otherwise shown your love. Thank you also to Drs. Peters and Giesbrecht and particularly the Rest haven staff for tender, love and care of mom for these many years. We… “sorrow not, even as others which have no hope”. 1 Thess. 4:13 We will meet again. The family.