Helga Goerzen
DECEMBER 10, 1930 – MARCH 8, 2022
Helga Maria Goerzen December 10, 1930 – March 8, 2022
In the early evening on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at exactly six o’clock, with her eldest daughter Irene by her side, Helga passed peacefully away. She was an extremely hard worker with an amazing work ethic. She was happiest when she was busy and in recent times was frustrated by her lack of ability to do all the things she loved to do as her health declined. Helga did not really know the meaning of taking it easy! She was blessed to have had her grandchildren Cassandra (until she married) and Kristi live with her in her home which allowed her to remain in the place she loved the most until her passing. Helga was born in Germany and emigrated to Canada in 1955. Helga spoke no English when she came but mastered the language. She was predeceased by her husband Henry in 2007, her son-in-law Keith Hollowell in 1999, her sister-in-law Else Rottler in 2016 and most recently by her sister Erika Kunisch in 2021. She is survived by her brother Herman Rottler in Dryden. Also surviving are her children and their spouses Irene Hollowell, Inge Goerzen and Brian Carpenter, Henry and Laurine Goerzen, David and Michele Goerzen and Paul and Gisele Goerzen. Also left to cherish her memory are her beloved grandchildren, their spouses and the great grandchildren: Jennifer, David and Chloe Lane; Alyssa, Scott and Owen Durocher; Curtis Goerzen and Kayla Haw, Jasper, Callin and Anders; Steven Goerzen; Cassandra, Alex and Hunter Herbacz; Kristi Goerzen. She was known as mom to some of us but her favourite title was Oma. That’s the one where you get to spoil the grandkids and the parents have no say!!!!
Helga worked alongside her husband in the early years helping to paint the houses he built to supplement their income. She babysat the grandchildren as they came along one by one. Mom loved her family, and the grandchildren and great grandchildren were spoiled rotten. She loved baking and always made sure there was baking aplenty in her freezer.
Mom had the most amazing green thumb! Her vegetable garden produced like no other and her flowers were second to none. She could and did bring the almost dead to life! Over the years many people remarked on her beautiful flowers and everyone knew which house was hers when you mentioned those flowers.
Mom had an amazing memory. She remembered so many things from years gone by. We all marveled at this and commented that we wished we had that talent. She was very sharp and always knew what was happening day to day in the world. She was acutely aware of things and it was hard to pull one over on her!
Mom faced all her medical challenges stoically and with grace. She was resilient to the end. She leaves a legacy of hard work, love and endurance. We were blessed to have her with us for all these years. Her shoes will not be filled.
We will miss her immensely. Although she is no longer with us physically, she will always be in our hearts and we have many memories to hold onto. Rest in peace Mom.
There will be a private family service at a later date. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Diabetes Canada, Lake of the Woods District Hospital or to a charity of one’s choice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com for the Goerzen family.