Obituary of Helen Klassen

KLASSEN: Helen Klassen passed away peacefully at Rideau Park Personal Care Home on Thursday, October 10, 2013 at the age of 97 years. She was predeceased by husband Henry who passed away in 2007. She is survived by her children Charlotte (Ken) Ezaki; Arthur (Janet) Klassen; Irene (Terry) Moore; Edwin (Heather) Klassen, six grandchildren: Brett (Leanne) Klassen, Amy (Brad) Slingsby, Michael (Brittany) Klassen, Graham (Kayla) Klassen, Chris Moore, and Jeff (Cheryl) Moore, as well as five great grandchildren. Helen was born in Herzenberg, Ukraine, on November 14, 1915, the youngest of the 10 Friesen children. She immigrated to Canada with her family in 1926. They settled in the Griswold area. She attended Griswold School where she attained Grade Seven by age 15, when she left to work in Winnipeg. On June 1, 1944, she married Henry Klassen, and they farmed in the Griswold area until they retired. Mom worked hard in her role as a farmer's wife, homemaker and mother. She loved to bake and cook; and prepared many holiday dinners, feeding as many as 17 from her small kitchen. Mom's hobbies were knitting, crocheting, and reading. She made crocheted tablecloths for her family, working on each for a year or more, and she knitted afghans for her children and grandchildren. Mom's faith was important to her. She read the Bible daily and attended church every Sunday. She participated in the Mennonite Brethren church community. She always willingly baked cakes, squares or buns for events in the community or the church. After retiring from farming, Mom and Dad moved to Brandon in 1990. In February 2006, due to declining health, they moved into Rideau Park Personal Care Home. Mom continued to live there until her passing. We wish to express a Special Thank you to the Staff of Rideau Park Personal Care Home and Dr. Egan. The Funeral Service was held at the Brockie Donovan Chapel on Wednesday, October 16, 2013 with Pastor Ken Quiring officiating. Interment followed at the Griswold Cemetery. Donations in memory of Helen may be made to a charity of choice.