Helen Unger (nee Stoesz)

Obituary

Helen Unger (nee Stoesz), aged 97 years, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at the St. Boniface Hospital, Winnipeg, MB.

Helen is survived by sisters-in-law, Susan Stoesz of Winnipeg, Elizabeth Dueck of Niverville, Mary Peters of Saskatoon SK, brother-in-law, Corny (Martha) Unger of Morden, and numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

She was predeceased by her husband of 57 years, Bernard “Ben” Unger, parents, Cornelius & Lydia (Wiebe), brother Edwin Stoesz, sister, Ruth Peters, and numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Helen was born on December 23, 1926, in Niverville. One fond memory of growing up included attending LeBlanc School, near Ile des Chênes, for eight years. Her favourite teacher there was Irma Bergman, whom she kept in contact with for many years afterwards. She also remembered walking several miles to town with her brother and sister, to get gum and candy on the special occasions that they were given some spending money. Another memory was playing guitar and singing with her sister on the doorstep of their home, with an audience of neighbours and whomever else happened to be around at the time.

One of those neighbours was Bernard Unger, better known to everyone as Ben. Ben also played guitar, and a friendship developed between them that would eventually result in Helen marrying her sweetheart on November 23, 1947. By then Ben had begun working for Monarch Industries in Winnipeg and had purchased land in North Kildonan, where he had built a small house, which would later be expanded. They lived together in that same house until Ben’s death in 2005, with Helen living in it until shortly before her passing.

Even though Helen and Ben did not have any children of their own, children were a big part of their life together. They were foster parents to numerous children over the years that were leaving difficult situations. In the Unger home, these children found much needed love, peace and stability. They loved taking the children with them on camping trips in their much-used camper. They also enjoyed the visits of their many nieces and nephews and then their children.

Helen and Ben loved taking their camper out at every opportunity they could travelling throughout the Prairie Provinces. Most summers they volunteered at summer bible camps as well as attending gospel music festivals. They would also travel into the states to attend steam shows as well as volunteering with the MCC Disaster Relief. Helen was also a volunteer at Donwood Manor Personal Care Home in Winnipeg for many years. She loved visiting with the residents and brightening up their day with conversation and whatever else was asked of her.

In their later years, Helen and Ben loved travelling with Fehr-Way Tours. Their bus travels took them as far north as Alaska and as far south as Florida, and from west coast to east coast. They became lifelong friends with some of their fellow passengers that also were frequent travellers. They also travelled through the Panama Canal, Ecuador, Brazil and Paraguay to visit some of the Mennonite colonies there.

As her mobility and vision began to decline in the last six years, she began requiring more and more assistance each year with medical appointments, shopping, and housekeeping. Special thanks to home care workers, especially Donna and Linda, and her friend Ria Vanderzande. Sincere appreciation to all the friends and family, who came to visit her at home and in hospital.

The livestreamed funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB., with viewing one hour prior to the service.

The interment will take place at Hespeler Cemetery, Niverville, MB.

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