HELEN FAST

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HELEN FAST With deep sorrow, the family announces the sudden passing of Helen, 76, at the St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg. She died peacefully with her children and grandchildren at her side. Born on December 7, 1927 in the village of Steinfeld, Russia, Helen was the oldest of four children born to Jacob and Agatha Klassen. She was predeceased by her husband, Arthur Fast, her parents, and brother Jake. Helen is survived by her son Eric Fast, daughter-in-law Kathy and their children Reynold, Lori and Carolyn; her son Rick Fast, daughter-in-law Julie and their children Leslie and Claire; her daughter Eileen Sutherland, son-in-law Paul and their children Jess and Leah; her son John Fast, daughter-in-law Rennie and their children Alanna, Heather and Meghan; her daughter Irma Fast Dueck, husband Ken and their son Zachary. She will also be lovingly remembered by her brother Abe Klassen and wife Janice; sister Elfrieda Redekop and husband Rich; sister-in-law Rita Sawatsky and many other relatives and friends. Raised on a farm near Grunthal in southeastern Manitoba, Helen would delight in telling her children and grandchildren stories about life in the early days. In September, 1949, she married her husband Arthur, a teacher. They lived a few years in Kleefeld and Steinbach before settling in North Kildonan in Winnipeg where they raised their five children. It was a busy household with friends and family flowing through -- energized by food, laughter, and companionship. But there were also times of long, quiet conversations over cups of coffee as visitors shared their hardships and tears. Helen was a good listener and provided comfort to many. Her baking and cooking skills were legendary and a key ingredient to the deep, lasting friendships she and Arthur developed over the years. Family and church were fundamental parts of Helens life. She knew there is strength in the family and lovingly spent her time and energy nourishing her immediate and extended families. Her Mennonite faith, and the church community in which she was able to live and express it, provided her with support and comfort. Helen was curious about life and an avid reader of newspapers, magazines and books. She travelled widely, first across Canada and the U.S. with the family. Later, she and husband Arthur travelled abroad to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the former Soviet Union. At one point, they taught English for two years at a university in China. She continued to travel abroad even after the death of her husband in 1990. Viewing in the fireplace room at Sargent Avenue Mennonite Church on Wednesday, May 12, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 13 at 10:30 a.m. at Sargent Avenue Mennonite Church, 926 Garfield Street, Winnipeg, Rev. Edwin Epp officiating. This will be followed by refreshments at the church and interment in the Springstein Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mennonite Central Committee, 134 Plaza Drive, Winnipeg MB R3T 5K9. Arrangements by Doyles Funeral Home of Carman.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 10, 2004