Obituary of Helen Wiens (nee Loewen)

October 13, 1927 - August 24, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Helen, our dear Mother and Oma, at Sunnyside Home in Kitchener on August 24, 2025, in her 98th year.

Helen was the daughter of the late Helena and Peter Loewen. She was predeceased by her brothers Issac, Peter, Jacob, and Johann, her beloved husband John (1998) of 49 years, and her precious daughter Helen Demerling (2020).

She was a cherished and devoted mother to Annie Koreck (Frank) of Kitchener, loving mother-in-law to Dennis Demerling of Goderich. Sweet Oma to grandchildren Kimberley Demerling and Angie (Tim) Goddard of Goderich, Nicholas Koreck (Marcella Velasquez) of Elora, Jesse Koreck (Amanda Damsma) of Kitchener, and her adoring great grandchildren Savannah Freeman, Joshua Freeman, Jaden Goddard, Oliver and Noah Koreck.

Helen and John came to Canada in 1948 looking for a better life after having been displaced from their homeland in Ukraine. She loved Canada, did everything possible to give her family a better life and was definitely not afraid of hard work. Helen was always ready to help, and was by far the most generous person you would ever meet.

She was an early riser, had an amazing work ethic, and with perseverance succeeded at anything she put her mind to. Nobody could keep up with her! Her motto was always - “It’s a good day for working.”

John and Helen were a team, working side by side in all their endeavours. John was a skilled cabinet maker by trade and Helen carefully stained and varnished all the beautiful pieces of furniture he lovingly made for his family. She was also a fine seamstress, knitter and prolific crafter, and oh how we will miss her homemade bread (zwieback), Easter paska, perishky, and the wide variety of baked goods she gifted to so many. She was a fantastic cook and loved being in her kitchen cooking up hearty meals. She made it look so effortless.

Well into her late 80’s you would find her lovingly maintaining her yard and tending to her beautiful flowers, or sitting on her front porch knitting or reading.

She was one of a kind,
We were loved, we were blessed,
It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn’t go alone, for part of us went with you the day God called you home.
Thank you for everything, and now it’s time to rest.

Special thanks to the outstanding and compassionate care team at Sunnyside Home (Woodside) where she resided for the last two and one half years. Prior to that she spent several pleasant retirement years at Harbour Hill in Goderich.

In accordance with her wishes cremation has taken place.

Visitation will take place at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S, Waterloo, on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m., followed by a memorial service in the chapel of the funeral home at 12:00 p.m. Luncheon to follow in the Fireside Reception Room.

A private family internment will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery at a later date.  

Condolences for the family and donations to the MCC (Mennonite Central Committee) may be arranged through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home at 519-745-8445 or at www.erbgood.com.