Helen Nickel (nee Enns)
1918 – 2007
We are left to mourn, but rejoice in the gift that was our mom, Helen Nickel aged 89 years who faithfully completed her journey here on earth on Wednesday, September 26, 2007 at Salem Personal Care Home. We watched her health deteriorate during the past several months and after a courageous struggle the past weeks she peacefully went to be with her Heavenly Father, whom she so longed to see.
Mom was born on March 31, 1918 in Chortitz, MB to Jacob J. and Katherina (nee Friesen) Enns. The family moved to Reinland, MB where she finished her grade 8 and thoroughly enjoyed her community social activities. In June of 1938 at the age of 19, mom was baptized upon confession of her faith by Bishop William Falk and joined the Reinland Rudnerweide Church.
On March 14, 1943, mom married her sweetheart, Jacob Nickel of Gnadenthal. After their first daughter, Helen was born, they moved to Gnadenthal where they were blessed with 2 more daughters, Hilda and Mary Anne. Mom and dad worked hard and mom experienced numerous health issues but always had a strong faith and determination to overcome. Mom taught us so many life lessons that we all treasure. Their move to Burwalde gave mom so much enjoyment working in her huge garden and tending to all her beautiful flower beds. After retiring from farming to Winkler, they enjoyed serving the Lord working at Winkler Bible Camp and later mom worked at Salem Home in the housekeeping department until her health caused her to leave a job she enjoyed. Mom had a great sense of humor and also loved to have family and friends over for faspa.
After dad’s stroke, mom lovingly cared for him until she was forced to place him in Salem due to her own failing health. Even during these difficult times, Mom’s faith remained strong, claiming as she called it her phone number 7326. “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26. Mom then moved to Lions Manor where she was blessed with many new friends, Bible studies and church services. To see her read her Bible and pray for each individual family member has left us with a great legacy to carry on.
There was something very special about mom. Family and friends were drawn to her, to listen to her humorous stories and to laugh with her. She had a genuine compassion and love for all she met and it was her greatest joy to see her entire family walk with the Lord. It is a testimony to her commitment and prayers for all of us. To God be the glory.
Mom pursued many interests which included attending a sewing school at age 18. She sewed her own wedding dress on a treadle machine and enjoyed sewing for all her children and for MCC. She also enjoyed knitting, crocheting and craft making numerous articles for family and friends. Other highlights for her were to have Hilda and Elda come out for a challenging game of scrabble and puzzles. The baseball games will not be the same this year – we will miss mom cheering on her favorite Toronto Blue Jays. To have her grandchildren sing for her and hear them play their violins gave her much joy.
She leaves to mourn her passing 3 daughters, Helen and Neil Schmidt of Winkler, Hilda Nickel of Winnipeg, Mary Anne and Henry Derksen of Winkler; 7 grandchildren and their families, Michele and Richard Falk (Adria, Katelyn, Kali), Bonnie and Kenton Hildebrand (Owen, Avery, Rylan), Kerry and Kathy Schmidt (Kleo, Kaden, Kyler), Carole and Don Hiebert (Brady), Dale and Lori Derksen (Scott, Amy, Arianna, Callum), Corrine and Nolan Phillips (Maximus, Isabella, Penelope), Carla Derksen; 1 sister, Mary Krahn; 3 sisters-in-law; 1 brother-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband Jacob J. Nickel (1985); 1 daughter, Margie Ruth in infancy and 1 great granddaughter, Allison Nicole Phillips in infancy; 3 sisters and 2 brothers.
Funeral service was held on Sunday, September 30, 2007 at 2:30 pm at Winkler EMM Church with Rev. Wilbert Friesen officiating. Interment followed at the Winkler Cemetery.
As a family, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the doctors and nurses and all the Salem Home staff for the excellent care mom received during her stay at Salem. To all our pastors, particularly Pastor Wilbert and Hilda, we thank you for the encouraging visits and the ministry in song. Thank you to Wiebe Funeral Home for their kind and caring services. Also to all our family and friends for the prayers, cards, flowers and food. Your sympathy and compassion will not be forgotten.
If friends so desire, donations may be made in Helen’s memory to the Gideon Memorial Bible Plan Box 778 Winkler, MB R6W 4A8.
Wiebe Funeral Home, Winkler in care of arrangements.