Helen Camden

Helen Lucille Camden

(nee Schwensen)

It is with great sadness and love that we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Helen Lucille Camden on Friday, April 15, 2011 at the Douglas Campbell Lodge at the age of 93 years.

Helen was born on December 30, 1917 to Margaret and Mike Schwensen in Persia, Iowa on the family farm. She was the eldest of five and was very close to her siblings. She was predeceased by her parents, husband of 47 years Glenn Camden, her loving son Don in 2008, brother Harvey and sisters Dorothy and Eileen.

Helen will be lovingly remembered by her family: her daughter Glenda of Brookings SD and grandchildren Jeff, Michelle and Joanna and their families; son the late Don's family - granddaughter Dawn (Garry) Lernowicz with great granddaughter Brianne (Benson) Stobie, great great grandchildren Olivia, Kadynce and Aryanna; great grandchildren Troy (Kalli), Shaye, Ty, Jolise, Janae, Dawson all of Portage la Prairie, granddaughter Melanie (Dave) Dalby with great grandchildren Garron, Braeden and Kylie all of BC and granddaughter Tara (Tom) Brown with great grandchildren Tanner, Thorne and Tripp Wylde all of Oakville, MB; daughter Karen (Gene) Yochem of Lacey, Washington; son John Sr. (Lori) with their minor daughter Julian all of Arlington, Neb. and grandson John Jr. (Jill) with great grandchildren Jordon, Jeret and Jack all of Arlington Neb., grandson Chris (Carrie) with great grandchildren Dylan, Samantha, Ben and Grace all of Yukon, Oklahoma, grandson Bruce (Pam) with great grandchildren Randy, Anna and Kaylene all of Blair, Neb. granddaughter Tracy Carter (Matt) of Spokane Washington and their mother/grandmother Mary of Blair, Neb.; and her only living sister Marcella of Sigel, Illinois along with numerous nieces and nephews and many dear friends.

Helen married Glenn Camden on October 4, 1935 and so began their married farm life. A few short years later she developed rheumatoid arthritis but she never let that slow her down or define her. While raising her family, Helen worked hard along side her husband on the farm. She cared for the animals and worked in the fields initially using horses and later she operated the tractors and trucks. In 1974 Helen and her husband moved to Canada to be close to their son Don and his family. They bought a farm in the Gainsborough District. In the 1980's Helen was active in selling Avon and in operating her own country store on the farm at Gainsborough. Helen loved meeting and interacting with people. She had a quick wit and at times could come across as abrupt but she had a kind heart full of love. Growing up family was important and Helen carried that priority with her as she raised her own children and had grandchildren. She will be dearly missed by both family and friends.

Prayers will be held at Good Shepherd Catholic Church on Tuesday evening, April 19, 2011 at 7:00 pm. Mass of the Christian Burial will take place at Good Shepherd Roman Catholic Church on Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at 2:00 pm with Rev. Eric Giddins. Interment is to follow at Hillside Cemetery.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Helen's memory to Central Plains Cancer Care Services, 318 Sask. Ave.E, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N OK8 or to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba a�" Portage Office, 103 Wilkinson Crescent, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 1A7 or to Good Shepherd Parish Building Fund, 114 Countess Ave, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N OT2.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com