Helen Neufeld

Helen was born on November 25, 1917 in Venn, Saskatchewan to George and Anna Richert. Her early years were spent on a small farm in the Watrous District. When she was about 7 years old her parents moved to a larger farm at Young, SK. Here she grew up with 3 brothers and 2 sisters. Her schooling was received in a one room school called Rapid Advance. She excelled at spelling and handwriting. There was no church to attend and she always felt that she had missed so much. In the summer of 1937 she went to work for her Aunt in Watrous, SK as a domestic. Here she was able to attend the North Star Mennonite Church and received baptism there. She was married on November 12, 1939 to John Neufeld. They lived for a time near Rosthern, and later moved to Melfort where John worked on the Government Agricultural Station. In April of 1946 they moved, by train, to Greendale, BC with three small children. They bought a small raspberry farm and looked forward to picking their first crop in 1948. Then the flood came and they had to start all over again. Those were hard years. John always found work on farms or construction, while Helen and the children were kept busy on the small farm. In 1955 John found work at Camp Chilliwack and worked there until his retirement. In 1969 John and Helen moved to Chilliwack for their retirement. The family joined the Greendale church in 1954 and had many good friends and good times there.

John died in December of 1995 and Helen’s days were long and lonely. She became the first resident at Menno Terrace in 1998. In 2014 she was moved to Sherwood Crescent Manor. In the following year she moved to The Mayfair. The staff at The Mayfair were caring and attentive. Helen enjoyed the activities, and loved to play Bingo!

Helen was predeceased by her husband John in 1995, her son Walter in 1973, and son Donald in 2013. She is survived by her daughter Ruth (Jake), sons John, Bob (Carol) and Ed (Debbie). She is also survived by her daughter-in-law Gwen, along with 14 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. Also survived by 1 step-sister, Carol Krahn.

The family is grateful for the care Helen received at The Mayfair and the long-term medical care received from Dr. James Warkentin. We are grateful for the many visitors that took time over the years to visit and keep her company.

Flowers are gratefully declined. If desired donations can be forwarded to the MCC (Mennonite

Central Committee) or the Alzheimer Society of Canada.

A visitation for Helen will be held Thursday, September 8, 2022 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 2310 Clearbrook Road, Abbotsford, BC V2T2X5. A graveside service will occur Friday, September 9, 2022 at 1:00 PM at Greendale Cemetery, 44675 Watson Road, Chilliwack, BC V2R 2Y6. A memorial service will occur Friday, September 9, 2022 at 2:00 PM at River of Life Church, 42359 South Sumas Road, Chilliwack, BC V2R 4W3.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodlawnfh-abbotsford.com for the Neufeld family.