Helena Hendrika Brethower

Helena Hendrika Brethower (Spier) was born on January 17, 1936 in 's Gravendeel, the Netherlands, the 5th of a family of 11 children. She was a great help to her mother, busy with the needs of so many children as well as the congregation her husband served. An adventurous young woman, Helen immigrated to Canada at the age of 17.

It was there that she met Bill Brethower, who also hailed from the Netherlands, at the “Young People's” group at church. (They did later discover that they had performed at the same televised gymnastics performance, each representing their own community.) After about a year of dating, Helen informed Bill that her parents were coming for a visit from Holland, a very rare and costly event in those days. Some time later, she added that since he was a pastor, he would be able to marry them... but that if that was his intention, he had better write her father to request permission, as Helen was still 'under age.' So that settled that, and they were married on July 6, 1956.

In addition to being adventurous, Helen was also amazingly adept at adapting to all the different cultures, climates and customs they encountered as they moved frequently for Bill's job: B.C., Trinidad, Belgium, New Jersey, Iran, Massachusetts and finally Arizona. She enjoyed meeting new people, learning about them and their ways, exploring new places. She was “queen” of asking questions, which demonstrated her interest and care. Her independent streak enabled her to cope very capably with Dad's job related absences, even in foreign countries.

Helen was a wonderfully loving and attentive mother to her 4 daughters (Helen, Deanne, Jane and Hester) and later to her sons-in-law (Ed, Kent, Steve and Rob). Her 9 grandchildren (Miranda, Nate, Jeremy, Megan,Thomas, Michael, Jenna, Marion and Briana) were lavishly loved and entertained by her on their frequent visits to the various parts of the continent. “The camper” became a favourite space to eat waffles, play games and discover special packets of treats.

She also demonstrated her love for kids and for God in Sunday Schools, VBS classes, Kinderzorg, a daycare centre and as a longtime volunteer in the grade 2 class at Phoenix Christian School. In addition she served as a representative for Christian Cottage Imports, taught Bible studies and hosted countless Sunday dinners for visiting clergy, newcomers to church, friends and family. She and Bill are remembered by many as delightful and generous hosts.

In recent years she suffered from Alzheimer's, but however much else she forgot, she always remembered Bill, her face lighting up every day when he arrived at the Memory Care home. She also remembered her Saviour and His goodness to her throughout her life. She frequently expressed a longing to “go home” and her family is grateful that, while we miss her presence here, she is now healed and home with her Heavenly Father, and with her parents, her sister and 4 of her brothers. We look forward to reuniting with her there, too!