HELENE (HELEN) HOCHULI

Helene (Helen) Hochuli “Tante Leni,” 79, of Rainy River, Ont., passed away Tuesday, May 1, 2001 at the Rainy River Hospital. She was born Aug. 29, 1921 in Reitnau, Switzerland to the late Jakob Hochuli and Emilie Lehmann.
Helene worked as a professional cook in Switzerland before immigrating to Canada on June 4, 1964. She felt an intense desire to be reunited with her sister, Hermine, brother-in-law, Hans, and their family of 12 children who had immigrated to Canada in 1961. She loved them so much.
She initially settled in the Fort Frances area at the Gerber farm. In January, 1965, she went to Rainy River to visit her friend, Vivian Smith, and “never left.” Helene and Vivian formed an abiding friendship that endured for 36 blessed years.
She worked at the Rainy River Hospital with the domestic staff, and was employed there for 20 years. She also was a member of the Evangelical Covenant Church in Rainy River.
Helene enjoyed cooking, baking, and vegetable gardening. Her outstanding spirit of generosity to everyone she knew and loved was evident as Helene and Vivian’s home was always open to friends and family. Her love for Jesus Christ was evidenced in everything that she did.
Helene was especially drawn to Vivian’s father, who reminded her so much of her own father who had passed away.
She is survived by her sister, Hermine Gerber of Fort Frances, Ont.; numerous nieces and nephews; and her close friend and companion, Vivian Smith.
She was predeceased by her parents, Jakob and Emilie; brothers, Werner, Walter, and Jakob; and sisters, Hedwig and Emilie.
Funeral services were held Monday, May 7, 2001 at 2 p.m. at the Evangelical Covenant Church. Pastors Gordon Armstrong and Mark Mast officiated, with interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Rainy River.
Friends visited with the family on Sunday, May 6, 2001 from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. at the Evangelical Covenant Church in Rainy River.
Pallbearers were John Gerber, Samuel Gerber, Markus Gerber, Jacob Gerber, David Gerber, and Andrew Gerber.
Honourary pallbearers were Emily Unger, Emily Embury, Jeanette Armstrong, Carol Jensson, Elizabeth Ricci, and Ursula MacDonald.
In memoriam donations may be made to C.S.S.M. Ministries, the Rainy River Evangelical Covenant Church, or the Prairie Bible College, all c/o Mr. Mark Mast, Box 111, Rainy River, Ont., P0W 1L0.