Helen Tessman passed away Feb. 15, 1997 of a heart attack.

She was born June 5, 1913 to Gerhard and Tina Warkentin in Terek, Russia. They fled the area in 1918. Both her parents died within a year in Suvorovka, Russia. She lived with her sister Tina until being adopted by the Cornelius Fast family. She took on the name Helen Fast.

The family immigrated to Manitou, Man. in 1926-27. She accepted the Lord in her youth during special services conducted by C.N. Hiebert. She was baptized in 1934, joining Manitou MB Church.

She married Henry Tessman June 30, 1935. They lived with Henry's parents for a time, then moved to Yarrow, B.C. where Henry worked in a store and then at a lumber yard for 12 years.

They lived on a farm in Harrison Mills, B.C., then moved to Chilliwack, B.C. in 1953.

Henry died in 1979. She lived in the house for the next 8 years until moving to Elmwood Terrace. She had many friends. She was well known for her cooking and baking specialties which she shared with others. She was a faithful volunteer in the MCC Thrift Store. She was a faithful member of Broadway MB Church.

Predeceased by Henry, she is mourned by daughter Linda Jardine; 2 grandchildren; and 1 brother.

The funeral was Feb. 20 at Broadway MB Church, Chilliwack, with Henry Warkentin ministering.