In Memory
Helen Steeves
Steeves
(Yoerges) Helen Elizabeth
– In loving memory, the family of Helen Steeves announces her passing to be
with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, April 27, 2023.
Helen
was born in the Bronx, New York on May 4, 1924. She became a Christian at a
very young age and was so in love with Jesus. Helen lived in New York until the
fall of 1949, where she set sail to China as a missionary. It was in China that
she met and married her Canadian husband Patrick Steeves, another missionary.
They returned to Alberta and resided in Red Deer and raised their family of 4
children. Helen started working fulltime at the Red Deer College Library in
1966 until 1986 when she and Pat started their retirement. They had a wonderful
retirement together doing the things they loved, gardening, canning, reading,
camping, various ministries and travelling.
Helen
is predeceased by her parents, John & May Yoerges; brother, Ralph (Elsie) Yoerges;
her loving husband, Pat (2000); two sons, Jeffrey Steeves (2013) & Thomas
Steeves (2005); & an infant daughter Barbara.
Helen
is survived by her 2 daughters, Linda (Doug) Cust and Jennifer (Rob) Brunner; &
two daughters-in-law, Leigh Klein, & Cheryl Steeves; 12 grandchildren,
Blaine Cust, Heather (Michael) Chyzowski, Laina (Simon), Parnell, Joel Steeves,
Janell (Blayne) Martens, Daniel Steeves, Michael (Sara) Brunner, Amy (Aaron) Lutes,
Steven (Arriane) Brunner, Bradley (Tannis) Brunner, Thomas (Spencer) Brunner, Jeremy
(Renee) Brunner; 14 great-grandchildren & 1 great-great grandchild.
It
was Helen’s desire to serve the Lord through many ministries. She loved New
York and was proud to be from there. She had many wonderful memories of her New
York days. Helen became a Canadian Citizen at 80 years of age. She will be
remembered for her beautiful smile, laughter, and open heart. She loved to
share the gospel to people and led many people to know Jesus. She was involved
in many bible studies where she made lifelong friends. Helen clearly made a
difference in the lives of those she loved and met and will be remembered the most
for her faith in God, and her genuine belief that God loves everyone and her
smile that will never be forgotten.
We
are forever thankful for God’s gift of Helen’s life.
Special
thank you to all the staff at the cottages at Westpark Lodge for making our
moms last years feel so comfortable and loved. Special thanks to Vicki, Marie
and Diane, who were her primary caregivers and cared for her for the 5 years
that she was there. We can not thank you enough for always being there for our
mom and for us. Linda (Doug) and Jenny (Rob)
There
will be a BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION OF LIFE at CrossRoads Church, 38105 Range Road
275, Red Deer County, AB, May 4, 2023, 1:00pm. Mom’s 99th Birthday. Let’s
Celebrate!
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Overseas Missionary Fellowship https://omf.org and Youth With a Mission https://ywam.org
Service
will be live streamed at: www.crossroadschurch.ca/livefunerals
Share a message or memory
Bella
When I moved to Canada directly from China it was truly like moving to a different world. I suppose if one wanted to really try something different, then I would have to say coming to Canada fit that bill for me. Not only did I leave behind my blood relatives and my life in China, but that change placed me me a land where no one spoke my language, I did not understand the culture, and the day to day life was so different from anything I had ever experienced. I did not know anyone here.
The absence of meaningful and trustworthy relationships changed after I met Grandma Helen. For she quickly welcomed me into her life after our encounter at a small house group that she was hosting. As a participant in the house group, I was able to find meaningful interaction with others, develop my English language skills, and receive my very first invitation to attend a church. And it was Grandma Helen who made that offer and took me there.
As I started to get to know this lady, it was her genuine display of interest and compassion for me, who I am, and what would make me want to come to Canada, that was causing me to ask myself deeper and more personal questions. She showed interest in the subjects that I wanted to know about, took time to teach me about Canada, introduced me to many people, took me to church, spent time with me as a friend, was making the effort to learn Chinese, and shared the gospel story and the plan of salvation. It was the hope I was learning about from her biblical references, matched by a consistent life style and genuine love for others that caused me to want what she had, a Saviour. So I decided to receive the gift of salvation and become a Christian.
I will always remember her as a lady with a steadfast perseverance for things that really mattered. In our friendship, Grandma Helen was right beside me during some very difficult days, and was someone I wanted to be more like. With all my family in China, she was the person I could talk to and rely upon for wisdom in raising two daughters. Even in her sickness and deteriorating health in her final days, she was still able to remember me and my daughters. She would ask about us and as much as she could, offer words of encouragement, and provide nuggets of wisdom.
Grandma Helen will be dearly missed by me and my daughters. I am so thankful to have called her friend. Knowing her not only forever changed my life here in this land, but it also prepared me for the day when it will be my turn to leave this world. I am eternally grateful for her positive life impact on me and the children.
Susan & Joe Windle
Brad Hemstreet
She will be missed.
brad