Driediger, Helene Lenzmann (1912-2001)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2001 Mar 30 p. 27

Birth date: 1912 Jun 20

text of obituary:

HELENE DRIEDIGER

Helene Driediger of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Feb. 1. She was born June 20, 1912 to Hermann and Emma Lenzmann in Gnadenfeld, Russia. In 1918 they fled to Halbstadt. When she was 9, her mother died of TB. Her father, left with 4 children, married Maria Heinrichs, a widow with 4 children. Helene developed a deep love for her stepmother. In 1924 the family immigrated to Canada. Helene accepted Christ during evangelistic services in February 1928 and was baptized at Watrous, Sask. in 1929. She studied at Winkler (Man.) Bible School for 2 years. She married Cornelius Driediger Oct. 24, 1936. They farmed near Griswold, Man. for 8 years. In 1945 they moved to a farm near Sardis, B.C. and joined Greendale MB Church. They sold the farm in 1960 and moved to Abbotsford several years later. They joined Central Heights MB Church. In 1982 they moved to Evergreen Village. Cornelius died in April 1985. She joined Clearbrook MB Church in 1986. She was active in the Maranath Ladies' Fellowship and Helping Hands. She moved to Bevan Lodge in 1999 and to Menno Home in January 2001. Predeceased by Cornelius, 3 brothers and 3 sisters, she is mourned by children Eleonore Thompson, Herman, Marlene Faul, Louise Spencer and Ali Main; 14 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and 5 brothers. A memorial service was held Feb. 6 in Clearbrook MB Church, with Peter J. Klassen and Tim Spencer ministering.