Helen Toews died Nov. 18, 2010. She was born Apr. 20, 1921 near Linden, Alta. to John & Mary (Esau) Schartner. She was raised in a caring Christian home, and her childhood was happy and carefree. Due to the Depression, her parents moved frequently for work, but with many siblings, Helen never felt alone in a new place. In her youth, she worked many jobs including housekeeper, nanny, and Calgary Sanatorium nurse’s aid. Helen married Alva Toews in 1945 after his return from service in the Air Force. She worked alongside Alva to run the Linden Co-op, post office, and insurance office. After the birth of her children, Helen felt an urgency to change her lifestyle. In 1958, she made a strong commitment to the Lord, accepted Jesus into her heart, and felt God’s love flow through her. She was baptized in 1961 into Linden MB Church. After Alva’s death in 1992, through her sadness she said, “God has blessed me immensely. He not only loved me, but gave me his talent of loving others and enjoying being God’s servant.” A highlight was travelling to her daughter’s home in St. Catherine’s, Ont., each year. Helen’s home was always open to all; her kitchen overflowed with family and friends. She was an accomplished seamstress, cook, baker, and hostess. Helen won the Scrabble Championship in the Seniors’ Division of the Alberta Summer Games. She received the 2003 Minister’s Seniors Service Award, to the pride of her family and friends. Predeceased by Alva, Helen is mourned by children Terry (Susan), Joyce (Ron), Russell (Vera); 7 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; 5 siblings.
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