Dyck, Helena Decker (1915-2006)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2006 Apr 7 p. 26

Birth date:1915 Jan 20

text of obituary:

HELENA DYCK

Helena Dyck died Jan. 25. She was born Jan. 20, 1915 in Koltan, Neu Samara, Russia, the eldest of 12 children born to Peter and Anna Decker. When Helena was 11, her family immigrated to Canada, eventually settling on a small farm near Fort Macleod, Alta. She was delighted to be able to go to school, but had to start back in grade one to learn English. After attending a local Bible conference, Helena gave her life to the Lord and was baptized in the Coaldale (Alta.) MB Church. She went to Bible school one winter, a highlight of her young life. On Apr. 20. 1941, she married John Dyck. They farmed near Castle River. Helena loved to bake and cook big pots of borscht, always ready to extend hospitality to others. Her gift of hospitality continued even after she became a widow in 1981. Helena moved to a care home where her sunny disposition endeared her to staff members and residents. She is mourned by children Martha (Leonard) Pauls, Trudy (John) Braun, Hildegard (Siegfried) Jabs, Albert (Alice), and Ken (Lois); 13 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters. The memorial service was at Coaldale MB Church.