Helena Friesen (nee Dueck)

Obituary

Helena Friesen, age 99, passed away on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Bethesda Place, Steinbach, MB.

Helen Dueck Friesen was born to Jacob & Elizabeth Dueck in the Morris, Manitoba area. She was born on October 24, 1925.

Helen’s mother wrote in her diary in early January 1926. “Baby Helen who is only 10 weeks old has whooping cough and is coughing badly, almost choking.” A few days later she wrote, “baby is worse and we thought baby was dying. Some people are staying the night.” Helen lived another 99 years.

She walked to school nearly a mile from home. She was a hard worker at home and will always be remembered for energetic farmyard care. She faithfully worked in the kitchen at the Morris Hospital for many years. She also enjoyed several trips with her friends. In 1979, Cornie Friesen of Roseisle released her from those duties, married her and allowed her to mother 10 children plus spouses and grandchildren. She was greatly devoted to her new role as wife, mother and grandmother. In 1993 her husband died much too young and left a huge bereavement in her life.

She married Jake Friesen from Ontario in April 1998. They enjoyed 24 years together, traveling, singing in the local senior choir and were active participants of the Blumenort Community Church. When she married Jake it gave her another 12 children, their spouses and many grandchildren. Helen’s mother was heard saying, “What do you want with all those children?” One time when Helen was brought to the hospital emergency, and the doctor asked how many children she had, she calmly replied, “twenty-two”.

Jake died in 2022, which again left Helen with new challenges. Soon health adversities added up and her unpleasant moving experiences added to her decline.

On January 25, 2025, she enjoyed a visit from Betty and Ray. She said with a twinkle in her eye that she loved living in Bethesda Place because they let her do whatever she wanted. After her nap, she fell and didn’t regain consciousness. After a few hours she passed away peacefully with family by her side.

Helen touched many people’s lives and appreciated her many relationships.

She was predeceased by her parents Jacob & Elizabeth Dueck, first husband Cornie Friesen and his daughter, her second husband Jake Friesen, two brothers and one sister.

She leaves behind two sisters, two brothers, twenty-one children, their spouses, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Helen’s twinkling eyes and kind heart will be missed by many.

We are so very thankful for the excellent care given to her by the caregivers at Bethesda Place. They treated Helen with respect, optimism and topnotch professionalism.

The viewing will be held on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB., with devotional at 7:30 p.m.

The livestreamed funeral service will be held on Monday, February 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB with viewing one hour prior to the service.

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