Helene was 6 when her dad was killed by bandits in the Russian Revolution. At 12, she began working as a nanny, staying with the Neufeld family in Chortitza, Ukraine, where she met Heinrich. He died in a concentration camp in Russia. Helene and daughter Helena became refugees. To escape deportation to Russia, they immigrated to Paraguay with the help of MCC. In 1952, Helene’s sister sponsored them to immigrate to Canada. Helene will be remembered for her work ethic, delicious baking, creative crafts, and storytelling. She had a remarkable memory, recalling hymns and Bible passages when she could no longer see to read them. She died as her daughter sang one of her favourite prayers, “Muede bin ich, geh’ zur ruh”
(“I am tired, I’m going to rest”).
