Helen Mary Hengen

On Saturday, August 31, 2013, Helen M. Hengen, beloved wife of Jerome G. Hengen, Windthorst, SK., and late of Montmartre, SK., died at the age of 80 years. The funeral mass will be celebrated in St. Pius Roman Catholic Church, Windthorst, SK., on Thursday, September 5, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. Interment in the parish cemetery. Prayers in the church on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Predeceased by her granddaughter, Sarah Gwelen McDougall, parents, John and Mary Jurzyniec, brother, Joe Jurzyniec, sister Rose (Joe) Fehr, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Matt and Alma Hengen, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Veronica and Roy Steele, Joe and Mary Hengen, Matt Hengen Jr., and Herb Tholl. Helen is survived by her loving husband of almost 59 years, Jerome, her six children and nine grandchildren: Chris Hengen, Saskatoon, SK., and his children, Ashley and Connor; Ambrose (Sheryl) Hengen, Estevan, SK., and their children, Riley, Michael, Jason and Tyler; Debra Hengen (Dwight Blowmander), Regina, SK.; Karolyn (Karey) (Daryl) Lessak, Regina, SK., Liz (Dan) McDougall, Lumsden, SK., and their son Dan Geordie; and Joey (Dave) Bouma, Edmonton, AB., and their children, Halle and Cassi, three sisters and one brother, Stella Raczynski, Fillmore, SK.; Al Jurzyniec, Regina, SK., Marion (Miles) Lozinsky, Regina, SK., and Frances (Ken) Weaving, Calgary, AB., her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Frances Jurzyniec, Montmartre, SK., Bill (Lorraine) Hengen, Windthorst, SK.; Bernadette Tholl, Windthorst, SK.; Rev. Ed Hengen, Balgonie, SK.; Rev. Francis Hengen, Yorkton, SK., and Yvonne Hengen, Windthorst, SK., also survived by her nieces, nephews, cousins and their families. The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to Brad Dusyk and all the wonderful staff at the Montmartre Integrated Health Facility for the exceptional love and attention shown to Helen/Mom during her time with them. If friends so desire contributions to the Montmartre Integrated Health Facility, Box 206, Montmartre, SK., S0G 3M0 or to the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan, 301-2550 12th Ave., Regina, SK., S4P 3X1 or to St. Pius Parish Cemetery, Box 207, Windthorst, SK., S0G 5G0 may be tokens of remembrance. Arrangements in care of Tubman Cremation and Funeral Services.

For 59 years Helen was an incredible wife to Dad, wonderful mother(mother-in-law) to her six children and their spouses, and the best Grandmother any grandchild could ever ask for! Helen’s forte was in the kitchen baking her world famous buns, making delicious perogies, baking pails full of Christmas baking, or cooking feasts for numerous family functions. Mom and Dad travelled to K of C functions for many years, where Mom loved getting together with the other wives. She was even cooking Cajun food after one trip to New Orleans! Once Joey started school Mom finally got to work outside the house. She worked at M & G Grocery for 10 years, where she loved the interaction with people and would memorize the flyers before every sale. As the family grew, she made baby blankets and a special quilt “Handmade with love by Grandma Helen” for each Grandchild. One year, she knitted sweaters for all 6 children and their significant others. Mom loved being outside in her gardens, vegetable and flower, and watching her birds, especially hummingbirds and finches. God had a robin make a nest and have four babies on her windowsill at the Montmartre Nursing Home, making her stay there even more enjoyable! She was very involved in the community by being on the first executive of the Windthorst Museum, President of the CWL, and participating in the Windthorst Ladies Bridge Club.

Helen Mary Jurzyniec was a kind and gentle woman who came from humble beginnings. She was born on June 13th, 1933 ~ forth born in John and Mary’s family of seven. Mom grew up in the small hamlet of Mutrie where she learned at an early age how to work hard – on the farm, in the garden, and in the kitchen. Helen’s life, which I am honored to share with you today could be perceived as a simple life to some ~ but in fact it was far from simple….it was more like a beautiful patchwork quilt ~ each piece carefully selected and stitched by hand with an abundance of gratitude and love.

Mom met the love of her life on July 22nd, 1952 as a bridesmaid at her dear sister Rosie’s wedding to Joe Fehr. It was by chance that Joe had chosen, as Helen would say “his handsome cousin Jerome” to be one of his ushers. From what were told, it was love at first sight and they were soon married on October 12th, 1954. It was from that day forward that Mom’s legacy as a true whole-hearted wife, mother, and grand-mother would begin…

The next fourteen years were spent raising a family….Two boys born first - Chris and Ambie, and then the four girls, Debra, Karey, Liz and finally myself, Joey. Mom would tell the story that Monday was always her day to do laundry because the babies would thankfully sleep all day after their outing to mass on Sunday…… Growing up in a large farming family meant not a lot of vacations - in fact none! But, that never was an issue…..as dad always said and still does, we didn’t have much money, but Mom made our lives rich with hospitality, and that was indeed the truth.

Mom and Dad’s first home was in Grandma & Grandpa Hengen farmyard. They lived there for the first four years, and three babies of their married lives, and then, after saving enough, purchased a farm of their own– two miles west of town. After thirteen years on the farm raising cows, chickens and attempting to drown numerous cats in the dugout, Mom and dad bought the Patterson house on the corner of Railway and Meighen in Windthorst in the fall of 1972. That house, which we lovingly called ‘home’ for the next 35 years would welcome each of the kids graduations, and marriages, and would also witness the arrival of our next generation of children.

In the late 70’s Mom embarked on a new path….she worked outside of the home as a cashier at M&G Grocery. This was such an exciting time for Mom, and we were so truly proud of her. Quizzing Mom on the flyer prices for the week’s upcoming sale soon became part of our weekend routine.

With the Catholic Church being the cornerstone of the family, Mom served St Pius parish in many capacities. She was a faithful parishioner, a member of the CWL for 25 years, and even served a term as the Women’s League President as a way of giving back to her parish.

Years later Mom’s talent and passion took her in a new direction as the town opened up its Museum. Mom spent countless hours volunteering and loved the opportunity to share her town’s history with all those who visited – especially her grandchildren, who loved the VIP tours they received from Grandma.

Mom took pleasure in the simple things in life, and taught her children the same value. She appreciated the beauty that nature provided, and she took joy in weeding her garden religiously, whether it needed it or not! She faithfully boiled hummingbird juice so that the stunning visitors would be at her kitchen window every spring…. Mom even started her very own composting station long before composting was cool!

When not busy planning and preparing family meals or taking gourmet meals out to the fields to feed the harvesters, Mom kept herself busy crafting. She always had a project on the go ~ whether it was knitting an afghan, painting ceramics, plastic canvas, crocheting, or quilting, her hands were never idle. Mom would simply amaze us with her creativity, and once the grandchildren started to come, the baby blankets, sweaters and bonnets all had ‘Handmade with Love from Grandma’ stitched carefully and neatly on the bottom corner.

Mom truly lived her life serving others… She took such pride in her home, garden and the meals she prepared. The care packages we would receive when leaving home after a visit were always plum full, but the best ones were the ones we received in the mail…. There was nothing better than getting a parcel postmarked from Windthorst – it was always filled with a coffee tin of homemade cookies – a wonderful reminder of home, and a cherished reminder of Mom’s love for each of us.

Mom and dad celebrated their 50th Golden Wedding Anniversary in October of 2004. It was shortly after this milestone that we began to realize that Alzheimer’s was creeping into our Mom’s mind and body. We tried to deny the signs, but in time, it became too evident to rebuff…Mom’s desire to cook and host diminished, and as the disease progressed, we realized as a family that alternative health care was necessary to ensure her safety, and to maintain Dad’s health. We moved Mom into the Montmartre Health Care Nursing Unit in June of 2007. The entire nursing staff loved and cared for Mom and treated her like family, and we will forever be indebted to their countless hours of love and devotion to her.

Alzheimer’s is commonly referred to as the disease that you die from twice….and that is indeed true. We said goodbye to the Mom we knew when she was diagnosed and as she progressively continued to lose recognition and communication skills over time. Now we say goodbye to Mom for the second and final time. She held on, fighting the disease in true ‘Helen style,’ but after a seven year battle, her journey on earth has ended peacefully, and Mom has finally taken to her place of rest – her place of comfort and contentment.

Mom leaves behind numerous legacies: six children, nine beautiful grandchildren, too many quilts to count, amazing handwritten cookbooks (that for some reason never turn out as good as when she cooked?), and many ‘Helen-isms’ that we will all treasure, share and giggle over as we enjoy a glass of scotch on ice - with just a little bit of water…

Mom truly was, and will continue to be an inspiration to our family. Mom, you were always spirited and playful, and you loved to make others laugh mostly through your actions, expressions, or by retelling a story in a way that only you could….. The grandchildren will fondly remember the games of cards & crokinole, walks to the park, handmade knitted stockings, perogies, sausage, buns and let’s never forget the Edwards coffee tins filled with Oreo cookies!

Mom, you were a kind and gentle woman from humble beginnings. Your dreams for success and happiness on earth were seldom, if ever for yourself, but rather your dreams always centered on those for whom you loved and cared for the most…that being Dad, your children and your grandchildren.

Mom, you have been a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, a very good friend, and a faithful servant to your God. It is each of these redeeming qualities that have finally brought completion to your patchwork quilt called life….. You lovingly handcrafted each piece, and you are ready to be presented to the heavens. They too, just like your family and friends, will love you for all that you are and all that you have to give…