HELEN MARTENS (SCHROEDER)

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HELEN MARTENS (nee SCHROEDER) February 19, 1918 - August 25, 2011 Peacefully, on Thursday, August 25, 2011, mom passed away at her home with her two daughters by her side. Left to cherish her memory, are her children Betty (Jan), Connie (John); four grandchildren, Dana (Al), Jeremy, Allys (Brent), Tammy (Dan) and five great-grandchildren. She is also survived by one sister Susan (Lawrence), three sisters-in-law: Lena, Betty, and Tina, and one brother-in-law, Ken. She was predeceased by her husband Frank in January, 1999, after 53 years of marriage. Helen was born in Lowe Farm, Manitoba in 1918, the daughter of Jacob S. and Helena Schroeder. As a young woman, she left home to start a nursing career at the Winkler General Hospital. After the war ended, Frank returned from overseas and they were married on July 14, 1946. Marriage was soon followed by the birth of two daughters, Betty and Connie. She then devoted her time to raising her family and supporting her husband in his business. She always stressed the importance of a good education and career to her daughters, and they credit her guidance in leading them to nursing careers. In November 1967, she underwent open heart surgery to repair a mitral valve defect and became one of Manitoba's earliest recipient of an artificial heart valve. This greatly enhanced her quality and enjoyment of life. Frank and Helen moved to Morris in 1970 and remained there until 1999. This was a happy time filled with travelling to Europe and the southern and western United States with Jan and Betty, spending time at the cottage with John and Connie, and celebrating the births of their four grandchildren. After Frank's passing in 1999, she moved to Woodhaven Manor in Steinbach to be closer to her family. Her sunny apartment on the sixth floor and the people she met there, gave her much joy. During this time she was blessed with the arrival of five great-grandchildren who loved visiting their GG very much. Her unfailing optimism and positive attitude was an inspiration to her family. Whenever she was asked how she was doing, she always replied, I have nothing to complain about and she never did! A celebration of Helen's life will be held on Tuesday, August 30, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 150 Penfeld Drive, Steinbach, Manitoba. Cremation has taken place. Her wish was to stay at home for her final days, and thanks to the wonderful support of Dr. Curtis Krahn, palliative care nurse Debbie Krahn and the entire palliative care team in Steinbach, her wish was realized. The family is grateful for the care and compassion provided to her by these dedicated professionals. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be directed to The Bethesda Foundation (palliative care), 316 Henry Street, Steinbach, Manitoba, R5G 0P9. Arrangements by BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL 1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 27, 2011