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HELEN WARKENTIN (DEFER) Obituary pic

HELEN WARKENTIN (DEFER)

Born: Nov 29, 1937

Date of Passing: Oct 01, 2021

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HELEN WARKENTIN
(nee DEFER)
November 29, 1937 - October 1, 2021

Mom was born in Dunville, Ontario. She was the second of eight children. She was predeceased by her parents, Margaret and Henry Defer, her sister Frieda and brother Ernie. She is survived by her husband Victor, sons, Doug (Izabella), David (Bethany), Jim (Allyson), grandchildren, Brad, Courtney, Adam, and her two lifelong friends, Leslye Poirier and Ruth Buckingham.
Mom moved to Winnipeg in 1960 with her brother Pete. She met the love of her life, Vic Warkentin, while working as a nurse's aide taking care of her mother-in-law, Anna. The whirlwind romance blossomed into a proposal six months later, and they were married December 7, 1963. Mom and Dad were inseparable and spent 58 years together.
Summers were always a road trip somewhere in the family van, and over the following 10-15 years, they and their three boys saw nearly every US state and Canadian province.
Mom loved to be in the kitchen and prepare large meals for the holidays, which included Mennonite favourites, such as vereniki with schmaundt fat, platz, grieva, kielke, roll kuchen, and many others. These meals will be missed!
Mom started her own business (Nutristar Health Products), in 1980 which she ran successfully for many years, while at the same time raising three rambunctious boys.
Once they retired, Mom and Dad bought a home at Fountain of the Sun in Mesa, Arizona where they loved playing shuffle board, swimming, biking, and playing cards with the many friends they made over the 34 years they were able to spend there in the winters.
In her spare time, she knitted thousands of scarves, mittens and hats for the inner city homeless, and cancer patients.
Cremation has taken place, and due to current COVID restrictions, no funeral service will be held at this time. A celebration of Helen's life will be held in the springtime.
The family would like to express their gratitude to all the staff that assisted her in at the Victoria Hospital over the last number of weeks.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 09, 2021

Condolences & Memories (6 entries)

  • So sorry to hear this sad news. She was such a fun person. Played many games and had several meals with them over the years they lived there. - Posted by: Stephen L Ellis (My Mom's neighbor in Mesa Az) on: Nov 30, 2021

  • Doug, We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your Mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Lil, Sandra and Colleen - Posted by: Lil Palidwor (friend) on: Oct 12, 2021

  • So sorry Doug and family to hear about your dear Mom. She sounded like a wonderful person. Sincerest condolences to all. - Posted by: Heather McCabe (Friend) on: Oct 10, 2021

  • Dear Vic and family, we are very sorry for your loss. You were a great couple. Regards from Roger Foster and Kathy Bernard - Posted by: Roger Foster (Former colleague at Health Protection branch) on: Oct 09, 2021

  • Dear Doug, Izabella and Brad, David and Bethany, Jim, your beloved father Victor and families we grieve in your loss of your beloved Mom! Sending you all our deepest condolences. You were all blessed to have such a wonderful Mom, may her memories live on through you all. God Bless you all during this difficult time of loss. Sending peace and love ❤️ Mike and Darlene - Posted by: Darlene Dowhy (Friend) on: Oct 09, 2021

  • Doug, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Mother. I know what a hard battle she fought. May God bless you and your family at this most difficult time and give you strength and courage. - Posted by: Eileen Huggins (friend) on: Oct 09, 2021

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