HELENA WIEBE (KLIEWER)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

HELENA WIEBE (nee KLIEWER) July 18, 1943 - November 11, 2008 Peacefully, with her family at bedside, Helen left this world for another after a brief battle with cancer. Left to remember her are her husband of 43 years, Raymond, sons Chris (Alanna) and Dale, sister Dora (Cornelius) Krause, uncle John Peters, aunts Helen Friesen and Ida Kliewer, countless cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Her parents Katherina and Peter Kliewer and parents-in-law Lily and Peter Wiebe, also of Niverville, predeceased her. Helen was born in Niverville, Manitoba, where she was raised and educated. After graduating high school in 1961 she moved to Winnipeg to work at Manitoba Hydro. She lived with her sister, then with her friend Roselyn, before staying with her aunt Betty and uncle John Peters. It was on a 1962 holiday with Betty and John to the Calgary Stampede when she ran into a former schoolmate, Raymond. They were married July 18, 1965 in the church where she had been baptized - Chortitizer Mennonite in Niverville. Upon the birth of her children Helen retired from work to raise them, frequently volunteering at Carpathia School and eventually returning to work as a teaching assistant for Winnipeg School Division 1. She touched many young lives through the years, especially once taking a permanent position at River Heights Middle School. There she formed many friendships and nurtured many special needs students. She retired in 2001, to spend more time doing the things she loved: flower gardening, sewing, reading, going to the cottage at White Lake, and visiting friends and family. Helen was a friend to everyone she knew throughout her life, and held those relationships dear. She also drew much strength from her faith, which gave her courage and peace in her final weeks. Many thanks to all who visited, supported, and included her in their thoughts and prayers during her illness. Your love and kindness brought her great happiness and comfort. Viewing will be held at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 150 Penfeld Dr, Steinbach on Friday, November 14 at 7:00 p.m., with devotional at 7:30 p.m. The funeral service will be at Bethel Mennonite Church in Winnipeg on Saturday the 15 at 12:00 p.m., with reception to follow. Burial will take place afterward at Hespeler Cemetery in Niverville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Helen's memory to a charity of one's choice. Arrangements by Birchwood funeral chapel 1-204-346-1030 or 1-888-454-1030

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 13, 2008