HELEN EPP (UNRUH)

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HELEN EPP
(nee UNRUH)

Our beautiful, sweet Mom and Grandma passed peacefully from this world into the arms of Jesus on Tuesday, August 31, 2021.
Helen was predeceased by her beloved husband Oscar, her parents, A.A. and Annie Unruh, sisters, Peggy Regehr and Kay Unruh Desroches.
She is survived by her sister Louise (George) Block, brother Don (Marg) Unruh, her son Carl (Sharon), daughter Colleen (Gerald) Dey, grandchildren, Lauren (Ben), Connor (Adeina), Nicole, Amber and Andrea, and one great-grandchild soon to arrive.
Mom was born in Dalmeny, SK on October 23, 1932. At age four, her family left for India. While her parents worked on the Mission Field in Gadwal, the children were sent to a boarding school in Ooty 500 miles away. It was a cruel place and the start of many long separations from her parents.
She travelled by ship to Canada several times, each trip an adventure whether it was on a troopship during the war, or a freighter stopping in exotic ports of call. In her late teens, she and her sister returned to Winnipeg on their own, surviving on little money, often going hungry.
As teachers at age 24, she met Oscar Epp, the man who would bring love and joy into her world! They married a few months later and had two children.
They were founding members of Fort Garry Mennonite Brethren Church, an important part of their life. When she heard about the plight of unwed mothers, she became a volunteer at Pregnancy Distress, supporting the girls.
Mom had many interests - knitting, bird watching, and hosting exquisite dinners! Her curry was incredible and has been missed!
When Dad died in 2005, Mom moved into Dakota House enjoying 10 years with friends and the many kindnesses of staff and home care workers, particularly Shannon and Lori.
Recently, health concerns overtook her and she moved to Meadowood Manor where she was tenderly cared for by staff and felt at home.
We are so blessed to have been loved and guided through life by Mom. Her life was never easy, but with a wealth of faith, wisdom, kindness and selfless love knit together with wit and laughter, she rose above it all. She will be very much missed by all of us.
A private service will be held on Monday, September 13 and will be livestreamed at friendsfs.ca for all others.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mennonite Central Committee, Disaster Relief.

Publish Date: Sep 11, 2021

HELEN EPP
(nee UNRUH)

Our beautiful, sweet Mother and Grandma, passed peacefully from this world into the arms of Jesus on Tuesday, August 31, 2021.
Helen is predeceased by her parents, A.A. and Annie Unruh; sisters, Peggy Regehr and Kay Unruh Desroches.
She is survived by her sister Louise (George) Block; brother Don (Marg) Unruh; her son Carl (Sharon); daughter Colleen (Gerald) Dey; grandchildren, Lauren (Ben), Connor (Adeina), Nicole, Amber and Andrea and one great-grandchild soon to arrive.
A private family service will be held on Monday, September 13, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. The service will be livestreamed at friendsfs.ca for all others.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mennonite Central Committee, Disaster Relief.

This obituary may also be viewed at
www.friendsfs.ca

Longer obit to follow.

Publish Date: Sep 4, 2021

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 04, 2021, Sep 11, 2021