Janzen, Helene Niessen (1913-2003)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2003 Feb 28 p. 23

Birth date: 1913 Nov 25

text of obituary:

HELENE JANZEN

Helene Janzen passed away Jan. 16. She was born Nov. 25, 1913 to David and Elizabeth Niessen in Kusmitzky, Russia. When she was 8, her father died of typhus. A year later, her sister Elizabeth died. This had a profound effect on Helene, and she put her faith in God. As the oJdest child, she had to work hard to care for the family, and attended school only 4 years. At 18, she was baptized in Nikolaithal. When worship services were again allowed in 1942, she joined Blumenfeld MB Church. She married Jacob Janzen Sept. 17, 1940. They fled to Poland, where Jacob was conscripted into the army. For over 3 years, she did not know where he was. They were reunited in German in 1947. They immigrated to Coaldale, Alta. in 1952 and joined Coaldale MB Church. She is remembered for her strength, unwavering love for family, faith in God, caring spirit and willingness to share her talents in support of others. She enjoyed knitting, stitching and gardening, and made a quilt for every child, grandchild, and great-grandchild, even some not yet born. She was organized and meticulous, working tirelessly to nurture her family. Predeceased by Jacob in 1998, daughter Helene the day before they left Russia, 1 great-grandson, 5 sisters and 1 brother, she is mourned by children Jake, Lottie, Sig, John, Peter, David and Arnold; 25 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Jan. 18 in Coaldale MB Church, with Lorne Willms and Rudy Heidebrecht ministering.