Helen Wiebe

Helen Wiebe passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 98 on March 2, 2014 at Lions Manor in Winnipeg.

She is survived by her daughter June Reimer (Bill), son-in-law Eldon Toews, grandchildren Heather, Bran, Bruce (Rita), Kerry, Melanie (Greg), Kelly, and great-grandchildren Matthew, Dieter, Tyler, and Issabelle.

Helen was born April 11, 1915 to Julius and Wilhelmina Holme. She grew up in the Friedensfeld area south of Steinbach, MB.

At the age of 17, she married Peter Thomas Wiebe in August 1932. They were blessed with two lovely daughters, Rosalyn and June, who gave them six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Helen raised her family during the depression so she knew how to make ends meet. She was always working with her hands, whether it was making the girls' clothes, cooking wonderful meals, quilting, or crafting. When her daughters were married, she made their wedding gowns. Helen also loved growing things and said her garden was where she prayed best.

She began sewing and knitting items for Save the Children and through that organization, she got to meet Princess Anne during a royal visit to Winnipeg, a story she loved recounting.

Helen also worked for many years as a volunteer at the Manitoba Crafts Guild, making beautiful handicrafts and working in the downtown Winnipeg store. One of her most popular creations was a crocheted Lambchop puppet, which sold faster than she could make them! In 1995, Helen was named Crafter of the Year by Craft Plus magazine and appeared in their glossy publication.

Helen's kitchen was a warm, inviting place where everyone felt welcome. It was where Helen and Peter told jokes in Low German, retold the family stories that traced their history together, and reinforced their love for each other. They were married 72 years when Peter died in 2004.

Helen was also predeceased by her daughter Rosalyn, her sisters Olga and Elsie and brothers Alec, Gus and Willie.

Special thanks to the wonderful staff at Lions Manor in Winnipeg, the Alzheimer's floor. We all appreciated your friendliness, warmth and expert care of Gramma.

Helen and Peter never liked funerals and didn't want one for themselves. They only asked us to mingle their ashes so they could be together forever... laughing, arguing, and then laughing some more.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba http://www.alzheimer.mb.ca, #10 – 120 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 4G2 or the charity of your choice.