Helen Steffen
June 19, 1921 – December 11, 2017

Helen Joanna Steffen of St. Mary’s Villa, Humboldt, SK (and formerly of Muenster, SK), passed away at her residence on Monday, December 11, 2017.  She was 96 years of age.  Helen was born on June 19, 1921 in the Muenster District to Charles Sr. and Catherine (nee Metz) Steffen.  She grew up on the family farm and attended Ives School until grade eight, and then helped with caring for her sister Lydia who had been stricken with polio.  After Lydia passed away in 1966 Helen remained on the homestead and cared for her aging parents until their passing.  In 1972 she moved to Humboldt initially sharing an apartment with her sister, Viola, until 1979 and then she moved into a small house. She was employed at St. Mary’s Villa from 1974 until 1986 working in various departments including housekeeping, nurse’s aide and later as the laundry supervisor.  She retired at the age of 65 and then enjoyed keeping busy volunteering at the Villa and babysitting for local families.  She became a “nana” to the Harrington children for three years until they moved to Edmonton.  Helen often reflected that they were the happiest years of her life.  She always loved babies and little children.  When the Harrington’s moved they left their white stuffed owl with Helen of which she proudly displayed in every home she moved to.  We all knew she loved owls and this was the beginning of her extensive owl collection, which were mostly gifts.  She was able to do some travelling with family and friends in Canada and into the United States.  In 2004, she moved to the Harry Ford Center and later, due to declining health, moved to Bethany Pioneer Village in Middle Lake.  She returned to Humboldt into St. Mary’s Villa in 2013.  She was content at the Villa and went full circle from her life of being a caregiver there to someone who was being cared for.  Helen will be fondly remembered as a kind and loving soul.  Helen will be lovingly remembered by her sister Alice Schwanbeck; sisters-in-law: Agnes Steffen, Josephine Steffen and Gwen Atwood; numerous nieces and nephews; and her special second family, the Harringtons.  Helen was predeceased by her parents, Charles Sr. and Catherine (nee Metz) Steffen; brothers: Henry, Anton, Ervin, Raymond, Charles Jr., and Lawrence; three infant brothers:  Peter, Englebert and George; sisters: Lydia Steffen and Viola Steffen; brother-in-law James Schwanbeck; and sister-in-law Theresa Funke.  A Funeral Mass was celebrated on Friday, December 15, 2017 at St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church Humboldt, SK at 2:00 p.m., presided by Fr. Michael Yaremko. Others taking part were: Corinne Thoms, crossbearer; Valerie Sorensen and Ken Schmitz, scripture readers; Helen’s Goddaughters, Gloria Hunley and Shandar Mann, giftbearers; Jayne Johnston, intentions; Rosemary Reynaud and Caroline Biwer, memorial table attendants;  Marie Aubin as organist with soloist Shandar Mann and  members of St. Augustine Parish Funeral Choir, music ministry.  Pallbearers were: Richard Steffen, Henry Schwanbeck, Dennis Steffen, Brent Loehr, Nicklas Anderson and Scott Johnston. A eulogy was delivered by Darcie Anderson at the funeral  luncheon. Interment followed at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Cemetery, Muenster, SK.   Memorial Donations may be directed to St. Mary’s Villa Foundation or the Humboldt District Hospital Foundation Spiritual Care Endowment Fund. Helen’s family would like to thank the following:  Fr. Michael Yaremko and all who participated and attended the Funeral Mass, to the staff of St. Mary’s Villa, Deryk Meszaros and staff at Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, and special thanks to Delores Thiemann and all those who helped organize Helen’s Funeral.

This Notice Is Courtesy Of
Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel - Humboldt, Saskatchewan
(306-682-4114)