Obituary of Helena Friesen

Helena Friesen (nee Schroeder), age 83 of Steinbach, MB., passed away peacefully following a lengthy illness, surrounded by her family on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at Rest Haven Care Home in Steinbach, MB.

She is survived by her husband William, their three daughters, Helga, Pauline (Andrew), Wanda, and their three sons, Rudy (Erna), Adolf (Rene) and Dennis (Ruth). Her grandchildren Melissa (Mike), Kelsey (Colton), Jared (Brittany), Dustyn (Veronica), Liam, Nate, Kalem, Hannah (Michael), Rysa (Humerto), Elli, Abby, Tyler, Connor, Casey (David), Dana (Thomas), Ena, and Myla, and seven great-grandchildren Jane, Finnley, Callahan, Axton, Evren, Zion and Luca.

She is also survived by her seven siblings, Tina (Jake), Trudy (Ed), Anna (Will), Lisa, Erna (Terry), Martin (Tina), and Tony.

She was predeceased by her parents Peter and Susan, daughter Nettie, son Hans, grandsons Cody and Barett, brother Henry and sister Susie.

She was married to Willy on March 5th, 1961. Their life together was filled with many adventures. Our mother loved to travel and dad was always a willing companion. The legacy that they leave for others is one of love and respect. 

Her children and grandchildren are thankful for the heritage of the true faith that she passed down to them by her wonderful example of a simple faithful life. Mom enjoyed being with her family more than anything. She devoted so much time and energy into being a mom of eight. This was obviously no easy task when four of them were boys. She was an incredible cook and had the gift of hospitality. The boys still talk about the ice cream pails of cookies that mom stashed in the freezer and the stern look they got when she went to pull them out for her Faspa guests and found them empty. Our mother was also a very gifted seamstress. I'm sure you noticed the family picture in the slide show. The one where the four boys are wearing homemade matching plaid suits and the girls with matching red dresses. She was a very patient person. This was always evident when dad came up with another renovation or house build. How she put up with dad's brainwave to put a sandbox in the crawl space speaks volumes to this fact.

It was important for mom to be the hands and feet of Jesus. This was evident in the many ways she volunteered. Her love for serving her God started at a young age. At age 18 she left her home and family in Paraguay and moved to Bolivia to serve at a mission school. As her children got older she devoted much of her time serving in many church ministries. These included Sunday School Teacher, Church Choir, Mission Sisters, Kitchen Serving group, Prison Ministries, Programs to Seniors and Meals On Wheels.

Donations in memory of Helen may be made to Haven Group Foundation (In cheque memo line: Rest Haven Care Home), 177 Woodhaven Ave, Steinbach, MB, R5G 1K7.

The family would like to thank all the staff at Rest Haven. The love and care that they offered our mom and our family was exceptional. She was treated with so much love and dignity.

The funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 13th, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB., with viewing prior to the service. To join the family via livestream, click HERE prior to the service.

The interment will take place at Heritage Cemetery, Steinbach, MB.