Helena Hamm (nee Dyck)
1919 – 2011
On January 7, 2011 at Boundary Trails Health Centre the Lord took her hand and welcomed Helen Hamm home. We mourn her passing and will miss her very much, but we know she is in a better place and that we’ll meet her again one day. She reached the age of 91 years, 2 months and 12 days.
Mom was born to Peter and Helena Dyck on Oct 26, 1919 in Schoenfeld, Manitoba. She was baptized upon confession of her faith on May 28, 1939 in the Winkler Bergthaler Church. She married Abram Hamm on December 20, 1942. They later transferred their membership to the Sommerfeld Mennonite Church. They were blessed with six children.
Mom and dad lived in Friedensruh for the first years of their married life. Later they moved to Stephenfield where they farmed for 13 years. From there they moved 4 miles north of Morden and continued farming for 27 years. They stayed on the farm until 1992 and then moved to a new house in Winkler when they retired.
Mom loved gardening and did so for as long as she possibly could. She also loved family gatherings and preparing wonderful meals for us.
On May 27, 1998 Dad suffered a stroke and passed away 2 weeks later in the hospital. Mom continued living alone at her home in Winkler for several years. As time went on, it became more difficult for her to be on her own. About 2 ½ years ago, Abe moved in with Mom to help and take care of her. This was a big blessing for her and the family. Shortly after, Mom suffered a small stroke. She recovered pretty well but became easily tired after that. Mom had numerous health issues and surgeries throughout her life. Her health slowly deteriorated in the last years and especially in the last 2 – 3 months. On November 28, Mom was admitted to the hospital after she could no longer walk or cope at home. She remained there for just over a month.
She is survived by three sons, Abe Hamm, John and Mary Hamm, Pete and Verna Hamm, three daughters, Helen and Henry Fehr, Sally and Alan Krushel, Mariann and Frank Fehr as well as 15 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren.
Funeral service was held on Monday January 10, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at Winkler Sommerfeld Mennonite Church with interment at Winkler Cemetery.
We as a family would like to thank Dr. Lane and all the caring staff at the Boundary Trails Health Centre, the ministers, the ladies group for serving the lunch, those who ministered in song and prayer, pallbearers, ushers, friends and family, relatives and neighbors for all the phone calls, flowers, cards, prayers and food delivered to the house. Thank you also to Wiebe Funeral Home for their kindness and courtesy.
If friends so desire, donations may be made in Helen’s memory to the Heart & Stroke Foundation Suite 200, 6 Donald St. Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6.
Wiebe Funeral Home, Winkler
In care of arrangements,