Burger, Helga Bartel (1935-2001)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2002 Jan 25 p. 24

Birth date: 1935 Apr 3

text of obituary:

HELGA BURGER

Helga Burger of Stony Plain, Alta. passed away Aug. 20. She was born Apr. 3, 1935 to Cornelius and Annie Bartel in Swiniary, Poland. Her father was conscripted into the army. Her mother fled to West Germany with the 3 children. The children became sick and 2 died. Helga and her parents immigrated to Arnold, B.C. in 1948. After graduating from Mennonite Educational Institute, Abbotsford, B.C., she began working at the CIBC in Abbotsford. She was baptized and joined Arnold MB Church. In 1956 the family moved to Vancouver, where she continued working for the CIBC. She joined Vancouver MB Church, sang in the choir and participated in a youth group. In 1960 she served for a year with MCC at Kingsview Hospital in Reedley, Calif. She resumed work at CIBC in Vancouver. She enjoyed travelling with friends on vacations. In 1969 she transfered to a CIBC branch in Edmonton. In 1971 she married Orie Burger, a farmer from Stony Plain . Shortly into their married life, she learned she had a defective heart valve; she had open-heart surgery in 1975. She was active in Stony Plain Alliance Church. She volunteered many hours in the nursery on Sunday mornings and weekly during Mothers' Morning Out. She volunteered at the Stony Plain Multicultural Centre, joining a group of ladies sewing quilts. She enjoyed crafts, especially knitting, making many sweaters, socks, toques, gloves and doilies for family, friends and charity. She was a devoted wife. Orie died in 1996. Her faith in God remained steadfast. In her last 5 years, her health declined, but she continued with courage and perseverance. During her last weeks in hospital, she endured graciously, and was at peace with God, herself and others. Predeceased by Orie, 1 brother and 2 sisters, she is mourned by 1 sister, Lil Dickau.