HELEN GIESBRECHT

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HELEN GIESBRECHT Helen Giesbrecht died peacefully on October 17, 2005 in Bethania Care Home. She was born on August 9, 1909 to Johan and Margarethe Giesbrecht near Omsk, Russia. Although the First World War and the subsequent revolution brought many difficulties into her family's life, she nevertheless enjoyed a happy childhood. As a young girl, Helen committed her life to Jesus Christ and was baptized. Since the Russia of those years offered little security, her parents decided to emigrate to Canada. In 1923, her father died suddenly. Later her mother married Gerhard Dueck and the large combined family moved to Canada in 1926. Here she helped her parents in the first difficult years in Manitoba and then Helen was able to go to high school as well as graduate from a three year study at Winkler Bible School. From there she entered the nursing program in Winnipeg and graduated with her RN in 1942. Helen's work as a nurse gave her much satisfaction. Over the years, she was able to enroll in various nursing courses at the U of M to upgrade her skills and knowledge. She also helped her sister Margaret in her German Christian bookstore as well as helped care for her widowed elderly mother. In 1971, she retired from nursing. After the death of her sister Margaret, she continued to manage the bookstore by herself when she was already over 80 years old. Helen spent the last nine years of her life in Bethania Care Home being cared for with great kindness by the staff. She is survived by sisters Mary Wiebe of Morden, Margaret Froese of Niverville and brother Peter and wife Lena Dueck of Vancouver as well as many nieces and nephews. The funeral will take place Monday, October 24 at 1:30 p.m. at Klassen Funeral Home, 1897 Henderson Hwy., with viewing one-half hour prior. Internment will be at Glen Eden. If friends so desire, memorial contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to Mennonite Brethren Missions and Services, 2-169 Riverton Ave., Winnipeg, R2L 2E5. KLASSEN FUNERAL HOME 1897 Henderson - North of McIvor - 338-0331

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 22, 2005