Helen (Mom, Granny, GG) passed away surrounded by family at Hospice, Victoria BC on January 23, 2018. Helen is survived and lovingly remembered by her children Bob (Cheryl), Tom, Barbara (Keith), Debbie (Joe), Nancy (Mike), Dorothy, grandchildren Brandon, Lauren (Tim), Morgan (Shayne), Kevin (Stefanie), Kristal (Tim), Jessica, Brian, Ryan, Jordan (Claire), and Kyle, great grandchildren Peyton, Teagan, Cora, and Isaac, her sister Cecilia Glowa (John) and many relatives.
Helen (Mom, Granny, GG) was born in Gimli, Manitoba, the 13th and youngest child born to Elizabeth and Zachariah Lenchuk. Mom grew up during the Depression on a prairie farm. Her early experiences there with family and community shaped her strong roots in humanity.
In 1941, at the age of 16, Mom left the family farm to join her sisters Caroline, Betty and Cecilia in Toronto and worked in a munitions factory. The work was noisy, meticulous and had to be precise for our soldiers. Many of the guns were destined for use in Dieppe. As the war changed, so did Mom’s work. After working at McDonnell Aircraft her heart called her back to the prairies and the farm.
She worked at Safeway, in Winnipeg, where her hard work was recognized and rewarded with a “man’s”wage and title of Assistant Meat Manager. While at Safeway, she met her loving husband of 60 years, Harold.
They moved to Brandon, Vancouver and Nelson before settling in Victoria in 1965.
Although Mom and Dad were establishing their roots in Victoria, Mom maintained her love of the prairies, and her Ukrainian heritage. Perogies and holubsti were mainstays. After Dad’s passing in 2009, Rusty, her dog became her faithful companion.
Mom was an active member of her community and church. She loved sewing, knitting, baking and gardening. Her faith was steadfast, her door always open. Mom rest now. Your work is done. We will always love you.
Many thanks to Victoria Hospice for their kindness and compassion. A funeral mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Church (2060 Haultain St.) on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at noon with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Victoria Hospice or the Canadian Cancer Society.
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I will always remember that twinkle in her eye. She was the light in every room she was in. She loved family with all her heart.
Helen was always ready with a smile and a kind word. She was much loved and will be missed by many.
Both our hearts go out to all the family it’s a sad time but also a time to come together and remember all the good times with your mom I know that’s what she would want for you all.
What a wonderful lady. She will be missed very much by her family , friends and Rusty. We can not say enough what a generous and loving person Helen was as well as a keen and devoted gardener. She is in our thoughts and prayers.
Ron & Sharon Minchin
Fond memories of Auntie Helen. May you find peace in your journey. May your life memories be with your family for ever.
There are so many fond memories of Auntie Helen, but what I remember most was her beautiful garden and how she loved to tend it. No matter how much time passed she would always welcome us with a warm hug, delicious food and many stories. Her family was precious to her and she loved having everyone around. May you all find strength in each other and those loving memories. They will warm your heart for many years to come. My warmest condolences to all.
Aunt Helen taught me so many things, from gardening tips to cooking, and staying active. (She played soccer in the back yard with our kids when she was 80!) Also how to really love your family, and how to ensure you will always have good neighbours. (Take them some fresh baking when they move in!) We never missed a chance to visit whenever we were near, and always knew to arrive hungry! We loved her so much and will truly miss her.
Lynley, Jonathan, Keith and Laura