July 5, 1935 - October 16, 2021
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Mom and Omi, Helga Schievink. She left us peacefully with family by her side on October 16th, 2021, at the age of 86. Helga is survived by one son, Rick (Helma), three grandchildren, Anesa (Jerret), Brendin (Kait), and Rhylan (Mollie), four great-grandchildren, Branson, Kinley, Kolbey, and Kaden, her brother Fritz (Karin), and nephews Dirk and Ron. She was predeceased by her husband Pieter (Pete), her sister Friedel, and her daughter Crystal.
Helga was born on July 5, 1935, in the village of Willuden, Germany. When travel and adventure called in 1956, she followed her sister to Canada. Always hard-working, she quickly landed a job and became one of the "Plywood Girls" at the Alply Mill in Port Alberni. It was there that she met Pete. They were married at the Lutheran Church and wasted no time in starting a family. Together they purchased Bowen's Grocery and "P&H Food and Meat Market" was born. A landmark on the 'old' Alberni highway at 'the top of the town'.
The house was attached, so Helga was always 'on call' in the store. Although she was a somewhat private person, service was always with a smile when a customer was in her store or at the gas pumps in need of a fill. She cooked, she sewed, and was forever cleaning and chasing those elusive dust bunnies. Her home was spotless.
As a young child, Helga witnessed the unrest of war and never forgot that feeling of being on the run and often short of food. She instilled in her children an appreciation for the privileged lives they were living. Home with her family was where she was at her best. Joy was right there in her children's eyes. As' Omi ', she was enamoured with her grandchildren and served up classic German style mid-day meals complete with rye bread and a pleasing variety of cheeses, cold cuts, jams, jellies, and always a piece of dark chocolate for dessert. No one left hungry and everyone was always encouraged to 'eat more' and to not make a 'Schmutz' on the clean tablecloth! She loved to tend her flower garden and do battle with the insect pests and neighbourhood cats. There was always a house plant growing new roots on the windowsill.
In her 80's, due to the onset of Alzheimer's, living at home became unsafe. It was a difficult time that led her to Fir Park Village where she was cared for by a team of very special people in our community. Helga's family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the many actively involved in her care:
Dr. Kitshoff and Dr. Ean Smit for their medical expertise. A special Thank-You to the amazing team of care professionals and her many friends at Fir Park Village for their kindness, professionalism, and compassion.
Rest in Peace Mom.
Its not good-bye but rather; "See Ya Later!"
A private family Celebration of life will be held.
In Lieu of flowers, Helga's charity of choice was the Diabetes Association of Canada.
Stories, condolences, and messages may be sent to the family at www.chapelofmemories.ca
Chapel of Memories Funeral Directors