Helena Hiebert (nee Schroeder)

1899 - 2005

Helena Hiebert (nee Schroeder) was born to Johan and Susanna Schroeder December 9, 1899 in Grossweide School District near Plum Coulee, Manitoba. She was one of the middle children in a family of 13, and a very hard-working, industrious woman throughout her life. By age 10 she was already serving as a domestic helper for her neighbours, providing babysitting for several children. When she was still in her early teens she worked for many of her older siblings, tending their children and helping with housework.

One of the highlights of her youth was her conversion and baptism. She recently told one of her granddaughters that her baptism had been the happiest day of her life because walking out of the baptismal waters reminded her that she was following Jesus. She considered membership in the Manitoba Mennonite Brethern Church for just over 87 years as a further expression of her faith.

On October 27, 1918 our mother married John M. Hiebert at Grossweide. This union was blessed with four children; two girls, Elma and Olga and two boys, Allan and Art. During their married life, our mother and father lived on various farms, first at Grossweide, Rosenort, the Melba District near Horndean, Morris, and later at Lowe Farm. Mom spent many years supporting her husband on the family farm. This included milking cows, stooking grain sheaves, pitching hay, and other farm chores, while also raising her family. Every year she planted a big vegetable garden and a wonderful, large flower garden, and she tended a fruit orchard. She also helped build a new barn and a new house on their farm site at Lowe Farm. She was skilled as a bookkeeper, assisting our father with this task while he served as Secretary Treasurer of their school district. Mom enjoyed the years at Lowe Farm and frequently had her grandchildren visit for several weeks during their summer vacations.

In 1964, our parents retired, sold the family farm, and moved to Winkler. Here Mom continued her gardening, again growing many vegetables, fruits, and flowers. Several summers were spent working in the kitchen at Winkler Bible Camp. She enjoyed these times immensely.

April 1972, was a very sad time in her life, as her husband of over 53 years died of cancer. Shortly after this, Mom moved into the High-rise apartments in Winkler. Here she appreciated the company of the other residents, often spending time visiting or working on jigsaw puzzles. She particularly enjoyed the times when she could assist in the kitchen preparing group meals.  Other favorite activities were crocheting tablecloths for her grandchildren, reading, and also keeping fit. She accomplished this by washing both flights of stairs in her six story seniors’ apartment building.

As long as her eyesight allowed, Mom was an avid reader. Her interest in reading and geography assisted her in relating to all the tales her children and grandchildren told about their travels. She liked to exercise her mind by reciting a Bible verse beginning with each letter of the alphabet, also by repeating the names and locations of all the states in the U.S., and later in her nineties, by writing a novel “in her head,” as she called it. One of her most important activities was her daily prayers for all her children, grandchildren, and all their families praying for each one by name.  We will miss this, but can follow her example.

In July 2004, Mom was admitted to the Boundary Trails Health Centre. She was in fragile health, but still determined not to be a ‘bother’ to the staff. In March 2005, she moved to Salem Personal Care Home, where she remained until her passing.

Our mother lived to be 105 years, 8 months, and 28 days. She would tell her company that she was not merely 105; she was nearly 106, or 105 plus so many months.

Helena Schroeder Hiebert was predeceased by her parents, by all twelve of her brothers and sisters, by her daughter Olga in April 1959 and by her husband John in April 1972. She is survived by one daughter, Elma, and husband Abram C. Klassen of Winnipeg; two sons, Allan and wife Kathy of Fannystelle, and Art and wife Elva of Atikokan, Ontario. She also leaves 16 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and one very special great, great granddaughter. As well, she is survived by five sisters-in-law.

Throughout her lifetime, our mother had a deep, personal faith in God.  This sustained her throughout her life. We as a family shall miss her dearly, but rejoice that she has been relieved of her pain and has gone to be with her heavenly Father.

Funeral service was held on Friday, September 9, 2005 at 2:30 pm at the Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church with Rev. James Peters and Rev. David Friesen officiating.  Interment followed at the Grossweide Cemetery.

If friends so desire, donations may be made in Helena’s memory to the Winkler Bible Camp Box 2340 Winkler, MB R6W 4C1.

Wiebe Funeral Home, Winkler in care of arrangements.