Helen Mavis Schmidt (nee Enns)

After a lengthy journey with a number of health challenges, Helen Mavis Schmidt (nee Enns) of Newton Siding, died peacefully on April 18, 2023 at Douglas Campbell Lodge in Portage la Prairie, MB.

She is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Rudy Schmidt, daughter Sharleen Barker of Selkirk, MB  [grandson Greg Barker, (Eugenia), great grandchildren Ian, Sascha and Olivia, and grandson Tyler Barker], daughter  Cindy Dick (Harry) of Culross, MB [grandson Bruce Dick (Kayla) and great granddaughter Sophie, grandson Kevin Dick] and son Larry Schmidt (Carla), [granddaughter Bethany Beauchamp (Aaron) , great-grandchildren Charlie, River and Vienna, granddaughter Jaclyn Hennan (Josh) and great-grandchildren Talasi, Brielle and Ezekiel, granddaughter Jenny Franz (Tyler) and great grandson Wells, and grandson Brian Schmidt.] She is also survived by one brother, Ted Enns of Edmonton AB and numerous other family members.  She was predeceased by her infant son and parents.

Helen was born in Winkler, MB on October 1, 1937, the eighth of nine children, to John B. and Catherine (Suderman) Enns.  Her early years were spent in a number of places including Winkler, Elm Creek and later on a farm in the Wingham district.  Helen had fond memories of being with her father; sometimes going for a five cent ice cream in Elm Creek and other times just cuddling on his lap. She recalled  helping out on the farm one time as a child when she was allowed to stay home from school  to sit in the hopper of the combine to make sure the auger didn't plug!

In 1952, as a teenager, Helen was baptized and became a member of the Newton Mennonite Brethren Church.  In 1955, upon completion of grade 10, Helen moved to Winnipeg to look for work.  Later that year Rudy Schmidt proposed and they were married on June 23, 1956.  Their first child (Sharleen) was born in April the next year with two other children following in 1960 (Cindy) and (Larry) in 1961.  In 1964, after finding out she was pregnant again, Helen and Rudy happily anticipated another child only to sadly deliver a full term, still born baby boy that October.  That marked the first of several deep losses in her life. Rudy's dad passed away in 1965, in 1976 Helen's parents were in a tragic car accident and they both died within days of each other. And then her brother Harold died suddenly in 1982. 

Over the course of her life she was a dedicated worker, driving a school bus and then as a book keeper at Newton Enterprises for 33 years.  She also volunteered in her church community in a multitude of capacities as church treasurer, Sunday school teacher, Hobby Club leader, playing the organ, leading children's choirs and the catering committee for many years. 

To her family, especially her grandchildren, she was the grandma who "lobbied" the hotel owner in Clear Lake to let her 8 grandchildren (who stayed nearby in the Wasagaming campground) to incessantly use the pool! And while she was a no-nonsense grandma who stated her opinions she was dearly loved and would play catch in the back yard and bath babies in the kitchen sink!  She met the birth of each great-grandchild with interest and great pride.  To her children, she was a mom who knit sweaters and sewed matching dresses for the girls (and sewed for others as well), baked delicious buns, loved to fix things around the house, drove to piano lessons and supported dad on the farm. She also kept in contact with many of the family who lived a distance away and she planned the early family reunions that were loved by all.

As her memory began to fade she accompanied dad to the skating rink every week and watched him from the bleachers and often came to the family farm during harvest to help with meals and the garden. Dad was her constant companion throughout her life and her declining health. 

Special thanks to mom's doctor of many years, Dr. Mike Omichinski, to Ashley Morrison who gave special care to mom in her home and to all the staff at Douglas Campbell Lodge.  Your care and concern for mom is very appreciated by the family. 

Viewing and Visitation will take place on Sunday, April 23, 2023 from 7:00 – 8:00pm at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. Funeral Service will be held on Monday, April 24, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Newton Community Fellowship Church followed by interment at Oakville Cemetery.

The service was recorded and can be viewed below.

If friends so desire, donations may be made in Helen’s memory to Youth for Christ, 60 Tupper St N, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 1W8.

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