Hamm, Helena Bergman (1887-1990)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 1990 Jun 15 p. 28

Birth date: 1887

text of obituary:

Helena Hamm

Helena Hamm passed away Apr. 27 in Abbotsford, B.C. She was born Dec. 24, 1887 to Peter and Helena Bergman in Zagradovka, Fiirstenland, southern Russia. Her father died, and her mother married Bernard Warkentin. He died, and she married Jacob J. Rempel. In 1903 they immigrated to Canada, obtaining homesteads near Great Deer, Sask. She was saved in 1905 during meetings led by H.S. Voth, was baptized and joined Borden (Sask.) MB Church. She married Jacob Hamm July 6, 1916 in Borden MB Church. They moved to Morden, Man., to Winkler, Man., in 1920 to Dalmeny, Sask., in 1929 to Neville, Sask. and in 1949 to Borden, Sask. In 1956 they retired from farming to Saskatoon. They experienced much illness and many operations, but she never became bitter. Memorized scriptures were her comfort. She was a prayer warrior for her family and the kingdom. In 1977 she moved to Tabor Home, Clearbrook, B.C. She remained active and alert, traveling at age 98 and making afghans until she was 100. She was appreciated for her generous hospitality, remarkable memory and service in Sunday school and ladies' sewing circle. Her last words to family were "I love you all." Predeceased by all her siblings except 1 brother, her husband in 1968 and 1 grandson, she is mourned by sons Jake and Pete of Saskatoon, John of Calgary, Dave of Abbotsford, Abe of Toronto and George of 100 Mile House, B.C.; daughters Esther Unger of Abbotsford and Rosella Markle of Mayerthorpe, Alta.; 22 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. The funeral was May 1 at Clearbrook MB Church, with John E. Klassen and Art Yerex ministering.