HELEN SCHELLENBERG (DREIDGER)

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HELEN SCHELLENBERG (nee DREIDGER) On October 21, 2005, with family members by her side, Helen passed away at age 90. She will be lovingly remembered by all who knew her. She was predeceased by her husband John in 1982; her son Leonard in 1988; her parents, Abram and Helena Dreidger; brothers, Abe and David; and sisters, Agatha and Margaret. She is survived by her sons, David (Eleanor), Walter (Edna), Bob, Ron (Sandra), Ken (Laureen) and Gerry (Mary); 27 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren; brother Ben (Agatha); and sisters, Mary and Anne. We would especially like to thank Aunt Mary for her selfless devotion and kindness to her sister Helen. Helen was born in Altona, MB, on June 20, 1915 and lived on a farm nearby. She attended the local Amsterdam School where she developed lifelong friendships. She married John in 1934, moved to the Winnipeg area in 1940 and over the next 60 years lived in the home in Transcona which she was so proud of. She and John raised seven sons and contributed so much to the life of the East End. She was the neighbourhood canvasser for all the charities, volunteered endlessly at the East End Community Club serving as President of the Ladies Auxiliary. She provided care and comfort for all her neighbours and her children's families and friends. Later in life Helen worked outside the home with the T. Eaton Mail Order and with the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corp., where she retired at age 65. Her religious faith was an important part of Helen's life and she remained devoted to the Church of the New Jerusalem (Swedenborgian) and hosted church services in her home for many years. She served as a volunteer cook (famous for her pies and pastries) at the church's Paulhaven Camp for children and families and made singing Johnny Appleseed for grace a corner stone of the family dinners. We will especially remember Boxing Day Christmas dinners and New Year's Day chicken-noodle soup dinners. Everyone loved to go to her place and we all grieved with her when she had to leave her home five years ago. Special thanks go to the Arlington Haus Supported Living staff and to Concordia Place where she spent her last years. We especially thank the staff of Concordia Place for their care and concern, patience and love for Helen. Helen gave her all for what was near and dear to her and we all love her for it. Funeral service will take place on Wednesday, October 26 at 2:00 p.m. at Green Acres Funeral Home, Hwy. No. 1 East and Navin Road with interment to follow in Green Acres Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, friends can donate to a charity of their choice. GREEN ACRES Funeral Home and Cemetery Hwy. No. 1 E. at Navin, (204) 222-3241

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 24, 2005