Harms, Helen Thiessen (1928-2002)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2003 Mar 21 p. 28

Birth date: 1928 Jan 4

text of obituary:

HELEN HARMS

Helen Harms passed away Dec. 26. She was born Jan. 4, 1928 in Samara, Russia, to David and Helena Thiessen. The family immigrated to Canada when Helen was a child. She worked in Winnipeg as nanny and housekeeper. She married John Harms May 28, 1949. They farmed near Bristol for 45 years. Helen managed the farm while John worked in lumber camps. She cared for her aging mother. Helen and John were baptized and joined Steinbach (Man.) MB Church Nov. 22, 1992. In 1994 they retired to Mitchell, Man. and were involved in the Mitchell Senior Centre and church activities. She cared for John until his death in January 1997. She was diagnosed with cancer in November 2002. She was an avid gardener, raising vegetables, fruit, gladioli and irises; was an excellent cook and seamstress and a serious puzzler. She loved to play games with her grandchildren. Predeceased by John and daughter Daphne Harel, she is mourned by daughters Della Hiebert, Doreen Penner and Dorothy Laurin; sons Dennis, Donald and Douglas; 14 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; 5 brothers; 4 sisters. The funeral was Dec. 31 in Steinbach MB Church, with Abe Klassen ministering.