Helen Friesen

Helen Friesen, age 80, passed away peacefully with her loving family around her on Monday, May 20, 2019 at the Herbert & District Integrated Healthcare Facility, Herbert, SK.

Helen Joan Wiebe was born on March 4, 1939 to Cornelius & Mary Wiebe in Blumenhof, SK. She was one of eight siblings, including her twin brother. In 1957, Helen married Abe J. Friesen in Swift Current, SK. In 1958 they moved to Herbert, where they lived until her passing.

Helen's family was her pride and joy — they were blessed with four children, seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. She also fostered many children, most of them newborns. Helen enjoyed gardening, crocheting, bingo, and singing hymns with her sister, Betty. She worked at the Herbert Senior Citizens Home as a cook for a number of years.

Helen was predeceased by her parents, Cornelius & Mary Wiebe; and by her sister, Betty Belter.

Helen is survived by her loving husband of almost 62 years, Abe Friesen; her children, Sherry (Elmer) Gerbrandt, Dwayne (Rosie) Friesen, Rick (Joanne) Friesen, and Maryann (Richard) Stephenson; her grandchildren, Angie Jackson, Jamie Gerbrandt, Melissa Stephenson, Jordan Stephenson, Kevin Friesen, Kristyn Friesen, and Lauren Friesen; her great-grandchildren, Wyatt and April, Seth and Mackenna, and Tyson; her siblings, Peter (Eileen) Wiebe, Hank Wiebe, Agnes (Jake) Friesen, Con (Donna) Wiebe, John (Bev) Wiebe, and Herman (Caroline) Wiebe; and by numerous nieces and nephews.

At Helen’s request, a Private Family Graveside Service was held on Friday, May 24, 2019 at the Herbert Cemetery, Herbert, SK with Pastor Lincoln Vellacott officiating. “In the Garden,” Just a Closer Walk With Thee,” and “Softy and Tenderly” were sung by those in attendance, with Marilyn Vellacott accompanying on the guitar. Angie Jackson, Jamie Gerbrandt, Melissa Stephenson, Jordan Stephenson, Kevin Friesen, Kristyn Friesen, and Lauren Friesen served as Pallbearers.

Following the Graveside Service a luncheon was held at the Herbert Lion’s Hall, where a tribute was given by Angela Jackson, and a photo tribute was shared.

In memory of Helen Friesen, donations made to the Swift Current SPCA or Diabetes Canada  would be appreciated by the family.

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