Helena Giesbrecht (nee Peters)

1920 – 2014

On Thursday February 27, 2014 at Rest Haven Nursing Home in Steinbach, MB Helena Giesbrecht aged 93 years formerly of Roseisle went to her eternal rest.

Helena was born August 12, 1920 at Haskett, MB to David and Margaretha Peters.  She moved with her parents, sister and brother to Loma Plata, Paraguay April 1927.  The family lived there for 1.5 years and moved back to Manitoba on in April 1929. Helena attended school in Osterwick for only 2.5 years but completed five grades.  She was very proud of her accomplishment.  Her life became filled with being a nanny and kitchen help for her family and extended family and neighbours.  She was baptized on her confession of her faith on May 15, 1940 in Reinland. Daniel (Johnny) Giesbrecht and Helena Peters were married on May 17, 1942.  Their marriage consisted of many moves; from a summer kitchen on the Giesbrecht farm, to Osterwick and then to Roseisle where they farmed for 30+ years.  During this time, Leona, Shirley, Dan, David and Linda were born. Mom was a hard worker and made sure there was food on the table and clothes on our back.  Mom and Dad moved to Winkler in their retirement years and finally she could volunteer and be involved.  But this was short lived as she became ill and Dad was diagnosed with cancer.  After Dad’s death in September 1997, Mom appeared lost.  She could not find peace. In October 2002 Mom decided to move to Steinbach where her daughter Linda lived.  She fell in her apartment in 2005 and the dreaded Parkinson’s became a staple in her life.  She was moved to Rest Haven Nursing Home February 2006.  Her life was filled with happiness there.  She was able to have flowers, lots of friends, and was well taken care of.  She loved the nurses, aides, and any other caregivers as her family.  Mom became lonely and longed for mobility, to be able to speak and good food.  Her life in a wheelchair and not always able to speak and pureed food was not living.  She began to give up and on February 27, 12:14 a.m. she met her maker.

Helena D. Giesbrecht was predeceased by her husband, Daniel John, one great grandson, her parents and one brother.  She is survived by three daughters, two sons and their partners, 13 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren, three sisters and one sister-in-law. 

Funeral service was held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday March 3, 2014 at Winkler EMM Church with interment at Winkler Cemetery.

If friends so desire, donations may be made in Helena’s memory to the Haven Group Foundation 177 Woodhaven Ave. Steinbach, MB R5G 1K7.

Wiebe Funeral Home, Winkler

In care of arrangements

wiebefuneralhomes.com