Giesbrecht, Helen Goerzen (1905-1990)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 1990 Nov 9 p.27

Birth date: 1905

text of obituary:

HELEN GIESBRECHT

Helen Giesbrecht passed away Oct. 2 in Calgary. She was born May 22,1905 to Jake and Elizabeth Goerzen in Rosenthal, southern Russia. Her mother died a week later. She was adopted by Rev. and Mrs. Peter Braun 8 months later. She accepted Christ at 15, was baptized and joined the MB Church in 1920. In 1923 she immigrated to Rosthern, Sask. She worked as a housekeeper in hotels. She was married to Peter Giesbrecht Mar. 28, 1926 by Rev. Jacob Thiessen in Aberdeen, Sask. They did mixed farming, and the work was hard. They moved several times. In 1944 they moved from Crystal City, Man. to Clearbrook, B.C. Peter worked for the municipality, and they enjoyed travelling together. Peter died in 1968. She was lonely but spent many hours knitting and crocheting cushions, doilies, dolls and tablecloths. After 11 years she became ill and could not walk. She moved in with her children, spending time with each one and enjoying her children and grandchildren. In December, 1989 she went to the hospital, where she enjoyed playing games and baking cakes and cookies with the other patients. She was in much pain her last two and a half months, but in her last week became remarkably peaceful and passed away serenely. Her faith remained firm to the end. Her favourite Bible verses were Is. 41:10 and Ps. 30:5. Predeceased by her husband, 1 grandson and 1 sister, she is mourned by her daughters Stella Reimer and Gertie Fisher; sons Ernest and John; 14 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandson and 2 sisters. The funeral was Oct. 9 in Central Heights MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C., with Al McVety ministering.