Helena "Helen" Maria Pubben

Helena (Helen/Lena) Maria Gertruda Pubben (nee Van Tol)

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Helen on November 10, 2022 at her home in Neepawa, Manitoba.  Helen was born on June 12, 1929 in a small town of Hoogmade Netherlands.  She was the 2^nd oldest of eight children born to Franciscus and Barbara Van Tol (nee Vander Kroft).  Life was hard as she lived threw World War II and later became a nanny for a few years.  In 1956, she decided to start her new life and immigrate to Canada to join her brothers in British Columbia.  After a few years, she decided to venture out on her own and moved to Ontario and began working as a nanny for a large Dutch family.  Thru a Dutch Club, she met John and moved to Portage la Prairie and worked until they got married in 1960.  At this time, they moved to Plumas to start their farm life together and raise their family.

During her life, her and John made a few trips back to their homeland of the Netherlands, which was dear to both of their hearts.  She travelled to New Mexico, and to other Provinces of Canada to visit and reconnect with family.

In 1996, they purchased a home and retired to Neepawa.  10 years after the death of her husband, Helen decided to move to Elks Manor, where she enjoyed many years with new friends and adventures.  Helen was a devoted member of the Catholics Women’s League (CWL) within the Catholic Church and volunteered many years (60) to serve her faith.

Helen made many great friends throughout her lifetime.  During her retirement years one great friend in particular was Julia Poncsak.   Also, her friends in Elks Manor, whom she enjoyed many great times and companionship.

Helen is predeceased by her parents Franciscus and Barbara Van Tol, step father Leo Van Tol, husband John (1999), son Leo (2013), brothers Gerry, Francis, sister Maria and many cousins, in-laws and special friends.

She is survived by her son Frank, son Harry (Darlene), daughter Marian Wirth (Sheldon) and 3 granddaughters Anna Pubben, Danae and Halle Wirth, sisters Corrie and Bep, sister-in-law Tina, brothers Leo (Ria) William (Meaka), and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Palliative Care Unit and the Neepawa Health Center.

Funeral services to be held at the St. Dominic’s Catholic Church on November 17, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. Internment to be held at Riverside Cemetery Neepawa Manitoba.

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