Helena Unruh

She was born May 29, 1937 to Johann Boschmann and Helena Federau Boschmann.

She got to know Jesus at a very young age, when she would read in her parents' Bible. She particularly liked the Gospels and everything Jesus said.

At the age of 15 she made a public commitment and got baptised. Shortly after, her parents sent her to Bible School in the village where they lived in Brazil, and later she attended Bible School in Montevideo Uruguay for 1 year. She loved singing in the church choir, and she has always been thankful to her parents for a wonderful childhood and youth life.

She married Franz Unruh on April 27, 1957 and started her life journey with lots of ups and downs, but was always sure Jesus was by their side. Mom and Dad were ordained for Ministry at the Witmarsum Mennonite Church and started church planting for the Portuguese speaking people in Brazil. While doing this, they still managed a small dairy farm at home, and dad would do grain farming for others. Mom always had a great desire to get to know Jesus, and she felt God's constant leading in her life. In her own words: "God is faithful and gives us the right portion at the right time"

Mom and dad moved to Canada in 1992, but dad's heart was with the Brazilian people and he planned to move back as soon as Canadian Citizenship would be official; but God had other plans. Seven months after arriving in Canada, dad was diagnosed with colon cancer, had major surgery and soon after died of a massive heart attack.

Mom worked as a caretaker at the Menno Pavilion for 10 years, where she also lived at that time, making sure of the well-being of the residents there.

After being widowed for 8 years, a second marriage opportunity came up, and she sacrificed her precious relationship with her large family, and made the difficult decision to move to Ontario. Due to irreconcilable differences, she moved back to BC in 2010.

She joined Level Ground Church right after, then transferred her membership to Eben-Ezer Church, where she had previously served as Deacon, and knew so many friends from before.

She has lived many good years close to her family who she loves dearly.

Helena leaves behind 8 children with spouses, 19 grandchildren with their spouses, and 8 great-grandchildren.

She is predeceased by her son Waldo and her husband Franz.

A visitation for Helena will be held Friday, July 28, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Eben-Ezer Mennonite Church, 2051 Windsor Street, Abbotsford, BC V2T6L9. A funeral service will occur Friday, July 28, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, at Eben-Ezer Mennonite Church, 2051 Windsor Street, Abbotsford, BC V2T6L9. A graveside service will occur Friday, July 28, 2023 from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM at Maclure Road Mennonite Cemetery, 33965 Maclure Road, Abbotsford, BC V2S7W3.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodlawnfh-abbotsford.com for the Unruh family.