Toews, Helena Bartel (1893-1961)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1961 Nov 30 p. 8

Birth date: 1893 Apr 19

text of obituary:

MRS. HELENA TOEWS

Mrs. Helena Toews, our dear companion, mother and grandmother, was born to Henry and Elizabeth Bartel on April 19, 1893 at Greenland, Manitoba.

She lost her mother through death in early childhood. Her father, after having found in Anna Dyck a mother for the children, moved to Hochstadt, Manitoba. There in the spring of 1910 she found her Savior and joined the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite through baptism. She was united in holy matrimony to Isaac Toews on Dec. 20, 1911. They shared joys and sorrows for almost 50 years. To this union were born seven sons and two daughters.

She died at Sinclair, Man. on Oct. 28, 1961 at the age of 68 years, six months and nine days. The cause of her death was diagnosed as coronary thrombosis.

She was a true helpmeet to her husband, sharing cheerfully the duties of his ministry. She suffered often, yet remained always uncomplaining. Mother will be remembered for her cheerful disposition, her simple, trusting faith, and the many letters she wrote.

We made our home at Linden, Alberta until the fall of 1955, then spent three years at Sunchild Mission near Rocky Mountain House, Alberta. Home to us for the last three years was Crooked Creek, Alberta. It was here that we built our first new house. We felt a warmth of love from the brotherhood there.

She was predeceased by two grandchildren. Those left to mourn her passing are: her bereaved husband; Martha and Harvey Holderman and Norman and Elsie Toews of Bonners Ferry, Idaho, Annie Toews and Dan and Marie Toews of Sinclair, Manitoba, Sam and Eleanor Toews of Crooked Creek, Alberta, Ben and Pauline Toews of Calgary, Alberta, Albert and Anna Toews, Milton and Margaret Toews, Gladwin and Luanna Toews of Linden, Alberta; 35 grandchildren, one great-grandchild; four brothers, Henry of Abbotsford, B. C., John and Jacob of Steinbach, Man., Ben of Greenland; three sisters, Annie (Mrs. C. M Penner) of Greenland, Elizabeth (Mrs. John W. Toews) and Katherine (Mrs. A. F. Reimer) of Linden, Alberta.

A large group of relatives and friends attended the funeral service held Oct. 29 at Sinclair, Mn. Final services were held at the Linden Mennonite Church near Linden, Alberta on Oct. 31, 1961, with Ministers Alvie Esau of Crooked Creek, Alberta and F. F. Hiebert, Daniel Boese and Jacob Baerg participating. Deacon Pete Thiessen of Crook Creek conducted the graveside service. — The Family.