Obituary of Helen Dueck

Helen Dueck was born July 7, 1927 at Waldheim, Saskatchewan. She was taught to love reading, music, and nature. Mom would say her dad never stopped teaching. He used everyday occurrences to instill a sense of wonderment and to teach science. After high school in Waldheim, Mom attended Normal School in Saskatoon and taught for one year at Heidelberg School before going out to BC at the encouragement of her sister, Mary, to pick berries for the summer. She then worked in the kitchen at the Orange Benevolent Society Orphanage. It was at a youth event that she met our dad. She moved back to Saskatchewan and planned to marry the next spring. However, when dad’s sister died leaving three young children without a mother, Mom and Dad married in November 1948 so they could move in to the Goertzen home to help care for the children and chores on the farm, where they lived for 6 months. Mom says it was a huge undertaking for them as a newly married couple. They then moved to Hague where they established their own home. Years were filled with raising a family of six, helping dad in the business, and other activities such as crafts, painting, flower arranging, baking, volunteering, directing choir at church, Ladies Aid, and tending a large garden in the summer (not all vegetables and berries, flowers were a very integral part of the garden and overflowed in pots on the veranda as well). Music was a huge part of mom’s life. She was choir director for many years at church and home was always filled with song – either on the piano, singing or listening to records. A favourite activity of hers was singing with her sisters. Many have benefited from her love of crafts, art, poetry, and music. She shared many of her own writings and the poem on the bulletin is one she wrote for her granddaughter. She loved watching videos of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren performing songs and reciting poetry. Mom’s health began to fail in February 2020 necessitating a move from Bethany Place in Saskatoon to Warman Neu-Care Personal Care Home. In February 2021 she experienced a health crisis and was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. She then moved to Spruce Manor Special Care Home where she stayed until her passing. Mom passed away peacefully in the loving presence of her family at Spruce Manor Special Care Home, Dalmeny on Thursday, August 19, 2021 at the age of 94 years. She was loved and will be missed more than words can tell. She knew Jesus as her personal Saviour and is now in her eternal home in Heaven singing with a clear voice! She is lovingly remembered and will be greatly missed by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Brian (Susan), Robin (Michael) Wevers, Dawson, Ty and Rylee; Brent (Keri) Dueck, Connor and Chase; Roger (Dee), Lisa (Brock Mascardelli) Dueck; Christopher Dueck; Stephanie (Brent) Kadler, Maya; Michael Dueck; Hazel (Garth) Schierling, Jennifer (Devin) King, Trinity, Spencer, Persephone, and Rowynn; Curtis (Shawna) Schierling, Aiden, Noah, Poppy and Caila; Michelle (Derrick) Woodall; Wendy (Dan) Guenther, Justin (Susan Gregorash) Guenther; Gregory (Robin Bryant) Guenther; Philip (Nana) Guenther, Sebastian; Catherine (Joel Molder) Guenther; Russell (Darlene), Janine (Jared) Elenko, Alexandra and Naomi; Jeffrey (Jasmine) Dueck; Kimberly Dueck; Steven (Brenda), Emily and Sarah Dueck. She is survived by sisters Agnes (Menno) Dueck, Betty (John) Siemens; sisters/brothers-in-law Margaret Penner, Joan Penner, Bunny Dueck, Jake (Eileen) Dueck, Anne (George) Dyck; many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her husband George Dueck in 2015; great-granddaughter Addison Woodall; parents Bernhard and Katharina Penner; brothers Paul Penner, Richard Penner, Henry Penner; sisters Tina Friesen, Mary Wiederspohn, Valida Deptuck, and Helena (in Russia). The family would like to express sincere thanks for the wonderful, loving care mom received at Spruce Manor, especially in her final days. A Public Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Hague Mennonite Church. Viewing will be held from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. prior to the service. A full obituary and livestream of the service will be available on Helen’s obituary page at www.funksfuneralhome.ca; and the Hague Mennonite Church Facebook page. Arrangements are entrusted to Funk’s Funeral Home, Rosthern, SK (306)232-5245. A LITTLE PRAYER ESPECIALLY FOR YOU May warm sun shine upon your day, And stars light up your night; May you always know the road to take When the fork turns left and right. May roses shed their fragrance, And birds sing all the way As good friends walk beside you To add joy to every day. May all life’s little shadows Be brightened from above, And your heart feel all the happiness Of our heavenly Father’s love. Written for Janine by Grandma 1995