Tribute

Helena Neufeld was born to Bernard and Aganetha (Neudorf) Neufeld on October 19, 1924 in the Great Deer district, Saskatchewan. She was the 4th after 3 boys. During her early years, she would lose two mothers, gain a third and also three siblings. Helen met Arthur Friesen through her older brother, Dick. Helen and Art were married on Helen’s 23rd birthday in 1947. Evelyn, their first daughter, was born in August 1949. Then in March 1955, a son, Wesley was born. During a trip to BC in July of ‘56, Art found a better paying job and one that would keep him out of the prairie cold, so the decision was made to move to BC. Here they were able to spend time with the Friesen relatives. It was four short years later, in March 1960 that Barbara completed their family. Starting over in Coquitlam, they with brother Len & Chris, built 2 houses side by side. Art and Helen also stayed busy with church, family & neighbours. There was always lots to be done. It has been mentioned that Helen always liked to sing during chores. No matter how difficult, she often had a song to sing while they worked on the latest project. The family continued to grow, adding son-in-law Jim & 2 grandsons, Kevin and Brian. In June of 1976, Helen lost her first love, as Art passed away from bone cancer. Helen pressed on, working for the Salvation Army Sunrise Lodge in a variety of roles, doing her best to raise Wes and Barb who were still living at home. In 1978, they moved to North Delta. Here Helen welcomed a daughter-in-law, Gale, a son-in-law, Robb and more grandchildren, Joanne, Kara, Joshua, Luke, Vicki, and Breanne. She treasured all of these people in her life and made sure they each felt special and known by her. Suddenly, a decade had passed, and Helen opened her heart to someone. Helen and George Dyck, having met at a Cedar Hills church event, were married December 20th 1985. Helen now had a large extended family that welcomed her with open arms. She and George shared many wonderful years together in Abbotsford. They often enjoyed travel, road trips and bus trips, exploring different parts of Canada and the USA. Sadly, George passed away in November 1999. However, George’s children continued to enfold Helen into their lives in the ensuing years. Helen’s family grew larger, adding spouses of grandchildren and eventually great grandchildren. In Feb 2001, Helen married Edwin Friesen. They stayed in Abbotsford and attended Clearbrook MB Church. In September 2012, they moved to the Menno Place Pavilion. He passed away in July 2015. Helen settled into life alone. She enjoyed her home there, socializing with friends and family, enjoying the activities and chapel services, and also the Grandparents Day celebration each year. However, she suffered from loneliness due to the COVID pandemic. Restrictions limited visitors and contact with others so days became difficult. Helen passed away quietly on Tuesday, January 18th. She was a treasured part of all of our lives and had a special connection with each one. She had a way of making you feel like you mattered the most. She was also steadfast. Helen endured a lot. She walked through a lot of grief in her early years in Saskatchewan, and again in her later years with the passing of her three spouses. She stepped boldly into a life that would take her from the security of Saskatchewan to the unknown of BC. Throughout it all, she kept her eyes on Jesus. Helen’s faith was core to who she was. She prayed endlessly and fervently for her family and friends. Grandma leaves behind a legacy of family and faith. She loved all of us with everything she was, and you always knew that you were on her mind. She had a wide open heart and was accepting of each one of us. We gather here today as evidence of that love.