Andres, Helen Petkau (1920-2002)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2002 Jun 21 p. 27

Birth date: 1920 Aug 26

text of obituary:

HELEN ANDRES

Helen Andres passed away Mar. 24. She was born Aug. 26, 1920 to Peter and Elizabeth Petkau in Kamenka, Orenburg, Russia, 1 of 7 children. Her mother died at age 36. Her father married Maria Block, who came with 4 children. The family immigrated to Halbstadt, Man. in 1926, moving to Oxbow, Sask. in 1928 and to Hepburn, Sask. in 1933. She attended Bible school for a year in 1937. The family moved to Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. She accepted Christ at a revival meeting in 1933 and was baptized in 1941. In 1941 she married Jacob Andres in the Mennonite church in Virgil, Ont. They lived in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Falls and St. Catharines. She was a quiet, steadfast and basic person who rarely showed her emotions; didn't seek excitement, glamour or fame; was dedicated to raising a sound healthy family; kept a clean, safe and orderly home; did everything with care; was a good cook; and enjoyed sewing, making the finest clothes from scraps. She loved to help her children, listened to their tales of school and encouraged them. She tended her gardens and flowers. When her children were grown, she worked with Jacob and son Larry for a brief period, tending the books and keeping the accounts straight. Her greatest joy was seeing all her children and grandchildren come together every Christmas and summer. She trusted God to help her through the darkest hours. Predeceased by a great -granddaughter, she is mourned by children David, Dorothy, Larry, Gerald, and Susan; 11 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Mar. 27 in Vineland (Ont.) MB Church, with Doug Schulz and John Block ministering.