Helen Buhler (nee Funk)

Obituary

On Thursday, August 24, 2023, our dear mother, Helen Buhler, passed away at the age of 95 at her home with her daughter by her side.

Mom was born on March 23, 1928, in Grunthal, Manitoba, to Peter and Sara Funk, the fourth of seven children. She was baptized upon the confession of her faith in the Chortitzer church where she remained a faithful member until her death.

Her youth was spent working on the family farm as well as at the canneries in Ontario during the summer and fall harvest. She met handsome dark haired Abram Buhler and it wasn’t long before a romance began to blossom and in June 1952 they were married in the Grunthal Chortitzer Mennonite Church.

Mom and Dad lived in Winnipeg before moving to a farm in the Grunthal/St. Pierre area where they lived until 1964 during which time they welcomed three children into the family. They then moved to Mitchell where Dad continued to farm and Mom worked for Regier Clothing, Ketler’s Ladies Wear, Neufeld Fashions and Allison’s doing alterations. After Dad passed away in 1983, Mom continued to live on the farm for a few more years before moving to Steinbach in 1986 where she kept herself busy with various part time jobs as well as volunteering at the MCC Thrift Store and serving at Birchwood Funeral Chapel. During this time she also went on several voluntary service stints to Brazil and Jamaica where she made some lasting friendships.

As a young woman, Mom took classes in pattern making and thus began her career as an accomplished seamstress sewing not only for her family but also for others. Mom will be remembered for her elaborate quilts and her beautiful garden. She prided herself on growing three pound heirloom tomatoes and enjoyed baking, cooking, canning and sharing the bounty from her garden.

Many children will remember having Mom as their Sunday School teacher. She was active in the church ladies’ aid and was the leader of the Mitchell CMC Ladies’ sewing circle for several years organizing the many sewing bees and also serving at weddings and funerals in the church community. In her youth, Mom had enjoyed playing guitar in a band made up of her siblings. She loved music and was part of the Mitchell Seniors’ Choir for many years. She was always on the go until her health began to deteriorate.

Mom is survived by her children Ron (Linda), Emily (Alvin), and Marilyn, and grandchildren Devin (Crystal), Desmond (Cherie), Rachel (Ron), Kate (Jason), and Melissa, and their families. She is also survived by her sister Ann, two sisters-in-law, and one brother-in-law.

She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Abe, great-grandson Shaun, two sisters and three brothers and their spouses.

We would like to recognize and thank the many people who came to visit and the compassionate care that she received from her care-givers. Mom was blessed to have been able to stay in her home despite her failing and declining health due to the loving care of her daughter Marilyn to whom we owe much gratitude for her devotion. We mourn Mom’s passing but not as those who have no hope as we know that this is only a temporary parting and that Mom is now healed and in the presence of her Lord and Savior and one day we will be reunited again.

Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Roseau River Bible Camp, P.O. Box 110, Roseau River, MB R0A 1P0, as children were always dear to mom’s heart and even towards the end, her eyes would light up with joy when children were near.

“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” ~ Isaiah 46:2

Come and Go Viewing will take place on Monday, August 28, 2023, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB.

The memorial service will be held on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB.

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