Helen Koch Breadner

With sadness in our loss and joy in her heavenly gain, our dear beloved mother, nana, sister & friend, stepped (as she would say) 'through the curtain' into the loving arms of Jesus and her loved ones to a glorious place on February 14, 2016.

Helen Koch Breadner (Neufeld), was born to Isaac & Helena Neufeld on August 27, 1933 in the small Mennonite village of Neider Chortitza, Ukraine, surviving the devastation of the Ukrainian famine and WW II.   Her family immigrated to Canada and settled in Swalwell, AB.  She met and married her first love, Leoran Koch in 1957 after completion of nurses training in Three Hills, AB and attending Berean Bible School. Beginning life in Three Hills and Calgary, Leoran and Helen dairy farmed with their seven children in the communities of Rimbey, Mayerthorpe and finally settled in Dapp, AB.  

After losing Leoran in a tragic accident at 54 years, she later married Ken Breadner and lived in Westlock, AB.  Following his death in 2003, her life as a single woman turned to caring for her lovely mother in Three Hills, AB for five years.  After her mother's passing of 99 years, she moved to Spruce Grove for three years where she enjoyed living close to her daughters, Sylvia & Raydene.   Over the past few years, Helen's health began to decline necessitating a move to Westlock Pembina Lodge where she was welcomed back by many wonderful friends.  She then spent one short month in the Westlock Continuing Care Centre until her passing.

Helen faced life's challenges with humor, grace, courage, love and a generous heart.  She was an avid reader, lover of history, poetry and life stories.  Helen was a gifted artist, writer and craftswoman.  She loved her family and was a devoted advocate of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and siblings.  

Helen is survived by her children: Earl (Pat), Sylvia (Garth), Elroy (Carol), Neil, Loren (Terryl), Kent (Rachelle), and Raydene; fifteen beautiful grandchildren, and fifteen wonderful great-grandchildren. Each one has been a blessing, and source of celebration of life anew! Two sisters: Elizabeth (Ron) and Maryanne (Jake), sister-in-law Anne; brothers: John (Millie), Walter (Agnes), and Alvin (Nola), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.  Helen's life has been rich and full!    She was grateful for all she had and leaves us with a strong legacy of faith and courage.  

Helen is predeceased by her first husband and Father of her children, Leoran; her second husband Ken; her parents, Isaac & Helena; three brothers: Hans (in infancy), Henry and Seigfried; parents-in-law, Edmund & Ida; two brother-in-laws: Melvin & Ole; two sisters-in-law, Vivian and Eileen.  

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, 19th Day of February, 2016 at 2:00 PM  at the Cedar Creek Fellowship Church, (North off of Secondary Hwy. 661 on Rge. Rd. 13) Dapp, Alberta with Pastor Ken Stange officiating.

We express our appreciation for those who have contributed to her care, especially the nurses & staff at Westlock Continuing Care Centre, Pembina Lodge, Westview Community Care, the GAT Team and Dr. Sadiq in Spruce Grove, AB.  Extra special thanks to Dr. Elizabeth McKoen where Helen found not just a physician, but a friend.