Helen grew up in the Depression; she remembered eating an orange once as a child. She attended German school from age 8–12. At 13, in public school, she finished Grades 1–4 in one year, and then completed Grades 5–8 by correspondence while doing housework full-time. At 18, at a camp revival meeting, Helen accepted Jesus. She enrolled in practical nursing at Concordia Hospital, Winnipeg, in 1943. Helen was a nurse in charge at Warman (Sask.) hospital for 3 1/2 years. Abe and Helen’s honeymoon was a one-way trip to B.C. They raised granddaughter Sharon (born in 1965) from the age of 3 months. They farmed berries and laying hens in Clearbrook, B.C. Woodwards sold “Helen’s Homemade Brand” of pickles for years. Abe and Helen volunteered together for the Cancer Society and Helping Hands. Working in food services at Central Heights Church after Abe’s death gave her a sense of purpose. Helen loved singing and politics. She protected birds in her garden with her BB gun. At 97, Helen still canned peaches, tomatoes, and beans; baked cookies as Christmas gifts for family; and offered hospitality.
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