Obituary of Helen Plett

Helen (Friesen) Plett was born on January 5, 1931, in Rosenort MB, to David and Katherine Friesen. She was the second oldest of six children. Her beloved father died when she was six years old, and she felt his loss keenly. When her mother remarried to Peter B Dueck, four more sons were born who brought much joy and laughter to the family. Our Mom felt a very strong connection to these little brothers. She often talked about how she felt she was like a second mother to them. Even in her recent confusion, she often asked about the little boys. We came to realize she was referring to her precious little brothers. Mom was baptized upon her faith in Jesus when she was in her teens.

As a determined, fiery young woman, Helen overcame many obstacles in order to achieve her dream of becoming a nurse. She was enthusiastic about this and found great fulfillment and purpose in caring for others.

Helen married Frank Plett, from Prairie Rose, on October 27, 1956. Together they worked hard... farming and raising a family that grew to include three sons and two daughters. They built a godly, loving home, that included making time for games outside after evening chores, night snacks together, and the joy of hearing our mom laugh. It was very clear in our minds how passionately our parents loved each other and us. Mom always loved babies...and when her grandchildren started arriving, she was thrilled. She gave them all of the love and energy and attention she could. She took great delight in meeting each one of her great grandchildren as well...they would carefully be placed on her lap, and she would proceed to carry out her inspection as only Oma could do.

Mom continued to show her caring and serving nature by participating in various programs and organizations in the church and community. She and dad loved to travel and took many amazing trips to different parts of the world.

Mom's somewhat high strung nature, saw her through many difficulties and changes in her life. Such as battling cancer, losing her independence, and accepting homecare to name a few. Through all of this, we saw our mom struggle sometimes and get angry sometimes. However, her strong faith in God helped her to wrestle through these tough situations and come to a place of acceptance. Mom persevered.

After mom's stroke in the summer of 2019, and shortly after that a broken hip, we moved mom into full care at Maplewood Manor. It was during these last 2 years that we witnessed sad confusion and the loss of her memory, but such a spirit of resilience and the ability to laugh at herself.

In as far as it was in her control, she was determined to remain grateful and not feel sorry for herself. Mom's dream, of which she spoke often, was to see our family circle unbroken in heaven. Mom was predeceased by her husband Frank, siblings Bertha, Fred, Ed and Erna. She leaves to mourn her children, Rod (Pat), Steve (Lori), Twyla (Randy), Aime (Pam), and Tami. 13 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren, also her treasured siblings and in-laws.

We would like to say a special thank you to Maplewood Manor for the outstanding loving care you gave our mom. You patiently helped our family navigate this rich and meaningful final chapter of our mom's life.

The come & go viewing will be held on Monday, December 13, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB. Please line up in your vehicle on the west side of the building and a director will usher you in when it is safe to do so.

The private family memorial service will be held on Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB. 

Interment will take place at Prairie Rose E.M.C. Cemetery, Landmark, MB.