Klassen, Helene Derksen (1897-1971)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: July 9 p. 30

Birth date: 1897 Jul 03

text of obituary:

HELENE KLASSEN

Mrs. Helene Klassen, was born on July 3, 1897 in Millerowo, South Russia, to Peter and Katharine Derksen (nee Goertzen). While a young girl she came to know the Saviour and was baptized and received into the Mennonite Brethren Church. On July 15, 1918, she was united in marriage to John Peter Klassen. Four children were born to them in Russia, but one died as an infant. They immigrated to Canada in 1925 and settled in Saskatchewan, where six more children, including twins, joined the family. In 1933 they left for Port Rowan, Ont., where they were blessed with two more children. Their home for the last 30 years was in Vineland where they experienced many wonderful times as parents and grandparents. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in July of 1967.

Mrs. Klassen appreciated her flower gardens and enjoyed good health until last summer. After a lengthy illness, she passed away on June 13, 1971, at the age of 73.

She is survived by her husband; three sons, John and Peter of St. Cathannes and Daniel of Beamsville; eight daughters, Mrs . John (Helen) Friesen of Jordan, Mrs. Kay Drennan of Florida, Mrs. Jack (Agnes) Mussari of Ohio, Mrs. Michael (Margaret) Merakian of Ohio, Mrs. Walter (Mary) Koop of Vineland Station, Mrs . Kenneth (Tillie) Hall of Campden, Mrs. Edward (Lora) Fortune and Mrs. Jack (Chariotte) Willms of Beamsville; 31 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren; one brother and six sisters.