HELEN REMPEL

1918 - 2008

Helen Rempel, beloved wife of the late Jake Rempel, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Saturday, March 8, 2008 at the age of 89 years.
Helen is survived by her children Ruth (Alvin) Pedersen of Lethbridge, Mary Rempel of Lethbridge, Peter (Donna) Rempel of Crossfield, Paul (Yvonne) Rempel of Lethbridge, Jake (Maryanne) Rempel of Valleyview, Bob (Bev Evans) Rempel of Lethbridge and Ester (Werner) Wiens of Fort St. John, British Columbia; twelve grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.  She is also survived by her siblings Marion (Dick) Thiessen of Abbotsford, British Columbia, John (Elsie) Riesen of Surrey, British Columbia and Betty (Jake) Janzen of Abbotsford, British Columbia as well as numerous other relatives.
She was predeceased by her husband Jake; parents Peter and Helena Riesen; brother Peter Riesen; sister Agatha Derksen; two infant sisters and by her daughter-in-law Joanna Rempel.
Helen Rempel was born Stepanovka, Russia in 1918. At the age of seven she immigrated to Canada with her family. They settled on a farm in Steinbach, Manitoba in 1926. When Helen was old enough, she worked as domestic help in Winnipeg. In 1942 they moved to Yarrow, British Columbia.  She married Jake Rempel in 1943 and moved to Vauxhall. They raised their seven children and farmed until their retirement. After Jake passed away, she moved to town and in 2000 moved to Coaldale where she resided until her passing.
Family was important to her. She was never happier than when all her children and grandchildren were sitting around her table. Helen was well known for her hospitality to friends and strangers alike. She always had the coffee ready when any of her numerous friends or relatives would stop for a visit. Children, as well adults, loved her baking and her kind, sweet spirit. She was famous for her home made buns.
Helen loved to go on any road trips and travel the world. Her curiosity and willingness to explore led her to visit South America, Alaska, Europe, Israel and China. She walked the Jerusalem wall and at age 87, she climbed the Great Wall of China.
She loved attending church and meeting with her weekly Bible study group. Crocheting and embroidery were hobbies she loved. Helen was a gifted seamstress. Using her love for sewing to show compassion for the needy, she made hundreds of patchwork blankets. These were sent all over the world by the humanitarian organization MCC.
Helen left a legacy of Christian love, not only for her family, but for her fellow man. She will be remembered and missed by all who knew her.
Relatives and friends are invited for a time of prayer at the Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at 6:45 P.M. followed by a visitation from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.
The Graveside service will be held at the Vauxhall Mennonite Cemetery on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at 10:00 A.M. with Pastor Elroy Senneker officiating.
The Memorial Service will be held at the Coaldale Mennonite Brethren Church, 2114 - 18 Street, Coaldale on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at 2:00 P.M. with Pastor Rudy Heidebrecht officiating.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Helen’s name may be made to the M.C.C. Canada, Suite #210, 2946 - 32 Street N.E. Calgary, Alberta T1Y 6J7.