Obituary of Helena Friesen

In loving memory of our dear wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, prayer warrior and friend.

Helena Friesen, aged 63 years, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 27, 2021, at Bethesda Regional Health Centre, Steinbach, MB.

Mom was born on June 16, 1958, in Santa Clara, Mexico, to John and Helena Abrams.

Helena married Cornelius Friesen on August 23, 1977, in Campo 52, Mexico. They were blessed with two sons, Willie and Rudy.

They moved from Mexico to Canada on April 12, 1988. They moved because of mom’s heart. Mom had four heart surgeries during her life. But she always tried to remain positive.

Mom loved sewing. She sewed a lot for other people, but she especially loved sewing dresses  for her granddaughters. Many trips to Mexico meant new, beautiful fabric to make many new dresses and many doll clothes.

Mom loved her grandchildren so much and she was so proud of each one. So often she would pick them up for sleepovers, take them on road trips, whether to Alberta, Mexico, Grand Forks or even Fargo, or just to go shopping. She treasured each one. Her biggest joy was teaching them about Jesus, praying special little prayers with them and showing them God’s love. As often as mom could, she wanted to spend time with them.

Mom went to two women’s encounters. Those meant so much to her. She made many new friends and experienced God in a whole new way. She would often talk about them. She even served at a few of them.

Mom worked for 15 years at Resthaven. She was a dietary aid and cook. She loved her job there. Interacting with the residents was a joy for her.

Mom loved flowers. Growing them, receiving them, giving them. Anyone who knew her, knew she would never say no to flowers.

Mom was always willing to help out wherever she could and she was a hard worker. She always loved with her whole heart and always gave the best she could.

Helena is survived by her husband, Cornelius, and their two sons: Willie (Lucy) and Rudy (Amanda); their 10 grandchildren: Shoreh, Adam, Maria, Rachel, Janaya, Veronika, Angela, Salena, Olivia and Grace. She is also survived by her mom, five sisters, six brothers, five brothers-in-law, five sisters-in-law and their spouses, as well as many nieces and nephews and many friends.

She was predeceased by her dad, her in-laws, several brothers-in-law and several sisters-in-law.

A viewing will take place on Sunday, October 31, 2021, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB.

A private family funeral service, by invitation only, will take place on Monday, November 1, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at the Reinland Mennonite Church, Grunthal, MB. For those who can’t make it to the funeral, there will be a graveside service at the church at 3:15 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

The family would like to thank the staff at Bethesda Regional Health Centre for showing mom and dad kindness during her last days and thank you to everyone for their support and prayers during this time.

Mom was so loved and will always be missed. But she is with Jesus who she so yearned to be with!