Obituary of Helen Mathies

Helen Mathies (nee Schellenberg)

March 6, 1920- June 12, 2020

Helen was a remarkable, kind and compassionate soul who blessed us with her loving attention.  Helen was born in Tiegenhagen, Russia in 1920 into a Mennonite community.  Her family immigrated to Leamington, Ontario in 1923.  It is in this thriving Canadian Mennonite community where she met her beloved husband, John.  Following the Second World War, John and Helen became proud parents of their first born, (Margaret) Ruth Anne (Dwyer), and their second daughter, Sandra Jane, three years later.  Helen and John enjoyed a loving, wonderful marriage until John’s passing in 2001.

Helen loved to learn. Her curious nature led her to explore various fields of interest. She happily took summer courses at Guelph University and became accredited in Millinery, Sumi-e Japanese Black Ink Painting and Gemology. She particularly embraced her interest in Estate Jewelry.

Helen was most passionate about family and enjoyed her time with her loving grandsons John (Christel), Marc and Michael (Heather).  Helen’s loving legacy lives on in her great-grandchildren Rowan, Maisie and Robert, for whom she always smiled.  Her dedicated daughter, Ruth, passed away four days later.  We find comfort in knowing that mother and daughter are now together again.