Obituary of Helene Fast

Fast, Helen – Helen went home to Heaven on Sunday May 19, 2019 at Tabor Manor. She was predeceased by her husband Eric in 2005 after 59 years of marriage. She was also predeceased by her parents Nicholas and Helena Hildebrand, and her brothers Nick and Jake. She is survived by her sister Betty (Hamm) Bright and brother Peter Hildebrand, her children Rod, Eleanore Joy Duerrstein (Henry), Miriam Bauer (David). She was beloved Grandma/Oma to Karen Fast, Chris Fast (Gwendolyn), Lisa Frey (Ian), Katy Cressman (Mark) and Michelle Bauer (Daniel Jaworski). Great Grandmother to Jacob, Kayla, Alexis, Eric, Ellis and Declan. Helen was born April 2, 1922 in Schoenau, Ukraine. Her family immigrated to Canada in 1925, living with relatives in Rosenort, Manitoba. In 1941, she graduated from Teacher’s College in Winnipeg. On June 26, 1946, she married Eric Fast at Southend Church in Winnipeg. Helen and Eric moved to St. Catharines in 1950. In 1961, Helen resumed her teaching career, teaching at Gracefield, Maplewood, Connaught and Carleton Public Schools. Eric and Helen were members at Bethel Baptist Church and Fairview Mennonite Brethren Church. Helen treasured all of teacher and church friendships. In 1995, Helen and Eric moved into the new apartments at Tabor Manor. In 2009, Helen moved into Tabor Manor as she was no longer able to live alone. A special thank you to all of the Tabor staff, including the nursing, dietary, housekeeping and laundry staff.

Visitation will be at Tallman Funeral Homes, 3277 King St., Vineland on Tuesday May 28, 2019 from 10-11am, followed by her funeral service at 11am in the Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either M.C.C. or Camp Crossroads.