Obituary of Helena Murial Shantz

“His compassions never fail, they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness “

Helena (Lennie) Murial Shantz (née Metcalf), age 87, a long-standing resident of Kitchener, passed away peacefully at Innisfree House on September 30, 2018.  Helena married the love of her life, Ralph D. Shantz in 1947.  They settled in Bridgeport in 1954 where they provided a wonderful, loving home for their children; Paul, Stephen and Christine. After 65 years of wedded bliss, Helena rejoined Ralph who was called to his eternal Home in 2013.  Heaven is truly rejoicing!

Throughout her life, Helena was significantly shaped by First Baptist Church in Waterloo where she began attending as a young girl, where she began a life long relationship with Jesus and where she ultimately met and married Ralph.  Those fortunate enough to have met Helena were touched by her kindness, sense of humor and love of God. Helena also demonstrated a feisty approach to life, having overcome in her latter years numerous bouts of cancer. She was quite the fighter!

Helena cherished her family.  She was a devoted, loving and proud Mom, Grandma and Great Grandma.  She will be forever remembered by her children; Paul and Audrey Shantz, Stephen and Anna Shantz, Christine and Bill Bester;  by her grandchildren, Amy Elliott, Amanda, Rick and Kate, Nicole and Mike Harris, Ashley, Luke and Beth, Lindsay, Kylie; by her great grandchildren, Dexter and Zachary Elliott and Gordie Harris.

Family and friends will gather at First Baptist Church, 306 Erb St W, Waterloo, on Saturday October 6 from 9:30 am to 11 am for visitation and a Funeral Service to follow at 11 am. Reception immediately after in the church hall.; Interment will follow at Woodland Cemetery.

Condolences for the family and in lieu of flowers, donations to the Grand River Regional Cancer Centre or Innisfree House  may be arranged through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street South, Waterloo at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.