Tribute

Helen Klassen, 89, of Abbotstsford, B.C., surrounded by loving family, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Friday, Nov. 22, 2019. Born July 1, 1930, in Gull Lake, Saskatchewan, she was the daughter of the late Cornelius and Margaret Kehler.  Leaving crop farming, her family moved to Abbotsford and started a dairy farm. After high school, Helen went to Bible school, and then Business College.  She married and moved to Vancouver in 1952, after she met the love of her life, Bill Klassen. They were blessed with 3 children, and her life revolved around raising her boys and being actively involved in the church community.  Helen accompanied Bill, when his job in engineering took him to Prince Rupert, Kamloops, and later to Australia.  Helen and the family had many tenting and hiking adventures throughout the countryside. In 1993, Helen and Bill moved to Abbotsford and enjoyed retired living.  Helen struggled with health issues in her later years, but with God’s grace and her tenacity, she continued to live well.  They moved to Menno Place in 2016 and finally, after moving into the Menno Hospital for 5 months, the Lord took Helen home. Helen is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, William  Henry Klassen, 3 sons: Ken (Herta), Rick  (Anita), and Garry (Lori); 4 siblings: Katie, Marie (Henry), Elsie (Henry – deceased), and Neil (Eileen – deceased).  She was also blessed with 8 grandchildren:  Daryl (Theresa), Erin (Tom), Mark (Kim), Jeff (Karen), Nicole (Paul), Kaylan (Nathan), Alysha, and Janelle (Graeme), as well as 13 great-grandchildren.  Helen is predeceased by her brothers: Peter (Sue) and Henry (in infancy); and sister: Margaret (Patrick).   Our heartfelt thanks go to the staff, chaplains, and administration at Menno Place and Hospital, where Helen was well cared for in her final days.   The Memorial Service will be held on Monday, December 2 at 11:00 a.m. at Emmanuel Mennonite Church.