August 22, 1929 - January 5, 2021
Helena Schmidt, 91 years old, passed away at Hardy View Lodge, in Grand Forks, BC, on January 5, 2021.
Helena was born in Whitewater, Manitoba on August 22, 1929. Her parents could not afford to send her to school past Grade 10, but she was able to attend a Bible School.
Her first visit to Grand Forks was in summer of 1950, when she and a friend ran a church kindergarten and club for 3 months. She married Ben Schmidt on March 26, 1951 and they lived in 2 rooms at the end of a one-room school north of Prince George, with no electricity, no water, no plumbing, no car, but with millions of mosquitos!
By June Ben got a teaching job in Grand Forks where they lived for 34 years. Helena was known for her hospitality, her kindness and love. The family home was the play center for the neighbourhood. She loved young children and often had a song or rhyme to fit the day or play.
When Ben retired in 1985 they traveled to many countries helping mission agencies. April 1995 they moved to Jewel Lake where they lived 5.5 years; then moved to Oliver, BC for 9 years, followed by 9 years in The Manor in Midway, BC, then 3.5 years in Hardy View Lodge in Grand Forks.
Helena is survived by 5 children: Peggy (Laurence Epp), Leonard (Jean), Rowland (Esther), Christine (Mark Danyluk), Carolyn (Noel Knapp), 20 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren; also 1 brother.
She was predeceased by her husband Ben, her parents, 3 siblings, daughter-in law Bev Schmidt, and great-granddaughter Claire Epp.
Although Helena's family will miss her dearly, they share her confidence that because Jesus died and rose again, we will one day be together with the Lord forever.
The family gives special thanks to the staff at Hardy View Lodge for their exceptional love and care.