Friesen, Helena Abrahams (1853-1928)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1928 May 17 p. 7

Birth date: 1853 Mar 17

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1928 Apr 25 p. 1

text of obituary:

MRS. HELENA FRIESEN DIES AT BURRTON

The death of Mrs. Helena Friesen at her home at Burrton last Sunday was an incident which intimately touched the heart of everyone connected with the Herald Publishing Company, and especially its employees. Mrs. Friesen is the mother of Miss Katie Friesen, who for years has served faithfully as Intertype operator here, until recently the condition of her sick mother required her attention.

Mrs. Friesen reached an age of somewhat more than seventy years. Her illness had been quite prolonged, but it was only recently that her condition became so acute that the skill of the most competent physicians was of no avail.

Funeral services are being held at the Mennonite church of Burrton this afternoon. Interment will be made at the Burrton cemetery.

The entire office force of the Herald Publishing Co., extends to Miss Friesen their heartfelt sympathy in this time of her bereavement.

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1928 May 9 p. 3

text of obituary:

Helena Friesen

Our beloved mother Helena Friesen, nee Abrahams, was born March 17, 1853, at Berdjansk, South Russia. Being the oldest child in the family she very early in her life shared faithfully in the household duties of her home. She enjoyed only limited schooling. But she hada very thorough catechetical instruction from Rev. Leonhard Suderman. He also baptized her and she was received into the Mennonite Church in her 19th year. In 1872 she married our father Abraham C. Friesen. For a number of years they lived in the village Pastwa; they then moved to Berdjansk. In 1891 they emigrated to the U.S. and soon settled fave miles east of Burrton. Here she had her full share of the hardships of pioneer life. The struggle for daily bread and loneliness were a sore trial even for her strong heart. She found much comfort in the singing of uplifting hymns, of which she knew very many by memory, at her work. It was a great joy to her when the Burrton Mennonite Church was founded. She became a charter member and took active part in the work for the Lord. On April 2, 1916, father died and now at his side the open tomb awaits her.

Soon after Christmas her health failed. She improved slowly for some time but soon a disease of the liver took hold of her. A thorough investigation of her condition was resorted to at Bethel hospital but to no avail. The Lord called her home on the 22nd of April, 1928, at 7:00 P. M. She attained an age of 75 years, 1 month and 5 days. She leaves to mourn her departure 3 sons, 3 daughters, 14 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and 4 brothers, besides other friends and relatives. Three grandchildren await her in eternity.

Funeral services took place on April 25th at the Burrton Mennonite church, and were in charge of her pastor, Rev. H. P. Krehbiel, assisted by Rev. Abr. Ratzlaff. Special music was rendered by two quartets. Interment was made in the Burrton cemetery.