Helen Zacharias was born in Langham, Saskatchewan on May 18, 1919 to Peter and Elizabeth Balzer. She was the third oldest of thirteen children. Though work on the farm was a priority, Helen attended grade school, doing her homework before the precious oil in the lamps had to be extinguished, often before she was finished. She enjoyed math and reading, spending as much time as she could with her grandparents in town where she was free to study and focus on her school work. After grade 6 at 15 years old, out of necessity she worked full time on the farm and in the city at housekeeping jobs to help with family finances. On September 17, 1950, she married Henry Zacharias. Adding to his three grown children, Abe, Henry and Rosella, 3 more children, Naomi, James and Eunice were born to Henry and Helen completing the family. They lived for some time on Henry's farm near Hepburn, SK and then in 1957 moved to Rosthern, SK where they worked on the Youth Farm for 3 ½ years and then into town. In 1965, the family moved to Clearbook, BC where she worked at various jobs, later volunteering at the MCC Thrift Store. Cooking tasty, nutritious meals had always been her strength, at Bible schools, summer camps and many events until she retired. Helen was predeceased by her husband Henry in 1991. She then moved to Langham, SK for several years to be near to her siblings, especially enjoying the frequent get-togethers at birthdays, Christmas and Easter which she had missed for so long. Tabor Home became her new home when she returned, conveniently right next to MCC Thrift Store, where she volunteered well into her eighties. She also took it upon herself to rake leaves on the Tabor Home premises, taking great pride in her work. Menno Place had been her home since 2010. She often said, “I have never had it so good.” and would list the many things she was thankful for. At 94 she moved into the Menno Home and was a spark of life there until well after her 96th birthday when her health gradually deteriorated. Helen's faith remained strong until the very end. Her greatest desire has always be to be with her Lord Jesus Christ. Now she is at peace and rest, no more laboring to make ends meet, no more sickness, and no more pain. She is rejoicing in her eternal home that Jesus has prepared for her. The family would like to thank all those who were involved in caring for Helen in her last years. You have certainly been a blessing to her and to us in your compassionate care of our dear mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Arrangements under the direction of Woodlawn Funeral Home, Abbotsford, BC.
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