Braun, Helen Toews (1885-1967)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1967 Sep 15 p. 17

Birth date: 1885 Aug 31

text of obituary:

HELEN BRAUN

Mrs. Helen Braun (formerly Mrs. Henry A. Toews), 81, of Clearbrook, B.C., passed away July 12. She was born August 31, 1885 at Kuban, South Russia, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Janzen. At the age of 17 she was baptized and accepted into the Mennonite Brethren church upon her confession of faith. In 1904 she joined Henry A. Toews, then a teacher in Pleschanowa, Neu Samara, in marriage. God blessed them with 13 children, five of whom died in infancy, two accidentally through a fire which destroyed their home.

Though the family went through many hardships as they experienced famine and extreme poverty, especially in 1921 after the Russian Revolution,the mother enriched the home with her uplifing presence and her concern for the spiritual welfare of her children. Often she shared her feeling of unworthiness and, from her Christian walk, her family realized that she practiced true repentance and restitution. Bible discussions and fellowship around the Word of God were very dear to her.

In 1960, after 56 years of blessed union, her husband and the father of her children passed away. After four years she remarried to Mr. Henry Braun with whom she shared over three years of companionship.

She leaves to mourn her passing, her husband, Henry Braun; eight children and their families from her first marriage; four step-children and their families from her second marriage; as well as two sisters and one brother.