Helen Olfert passed away peacefully into the presence of her Lord on Feb. 2, 2006 at MSA Hospital. She was predeceased by her infant child, Victor; her sister, Katie Wiebe: her brother, Peter Wiebe; her nephew, Scott Wiebe; her niece, Tracy Wiebe; and her parents, Henry Wiebe and Mary (Derksen) Wiebe. Helen is survived by her husband of 42 years, Abe; her children: Murray (Shannon) Olfert, Saskatoon; Bev, Abbotsford; and her grandchildren, Madeline and Elijah, Saskatoon.
Helen was born on October 3, 1932 in Macklin, Saskatchewan the second of seven children. In 1945, she moved with her family to a dairy farm on Sumas Prairie. She attended Bethel Bible School for three years in the early 1950’s and then went on to work in Vancouver before accepting a one year Voluntary Service assignment in Akron, Penn. with MCC.
She married Abe Olfert on November 30, 1963. Abe and Helen had a son in 1966, who died at birth. In 1967 they adopted a son, Murray and in 1968 a daughter, Bev. In 1988 they welcomed daughter-in-law Shannon, in 1990 granddaughter Maddy, and in 2000 grandson Elijah to the family,
Faith in God was important to Helen and she served the Lord teaching in Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and Pioneer Girls at churches in Yarrow, Vancouver and finally at West Abbotsford Mennonite Church.
The last 15 years of Helen’s life saw her wage a courageous battle against a failing liver and related complications. Her dedication to her family, faith in Jesus and will to live enabled her to live longer than anyone excepted.
A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2006 at 1:00 pm at Maclure Road Mennonite Cemetery followed by a Memorial Service at 2:30 pm at the West Abbotsford Mennonite Church (King Road & Townline).
Friends and family wishing to do so, may make a donation in Helen’s memory to the Mennonite Central Committee.