I Miss You Mom

I thought of you with love today,

but that is nothing new.

I thought about you yesterday,

and days before that too.

I think of you in silence,

I often speak your name.

All I have are memories,

and your picture in a frame.

Your memory is my keepsake,

with which I’ll never part.

God has you in his keeping,

I have you in my hearts.

 

It has been one year since the passing of Helen Belbos. To know Helen was to love her, and her presence is missed every… single… day.

 

Helen’s soul departed on March 5, 2021 at Seven Oaks Hospital at the age of 91, peacefully with her family at her side. A mother, grandmother, sister, and friend to many, whose love, light and memories will live on in the heavy hearts of all of us.

​

Helen was predeceased by her parents, Teenie and Michael Stebnicki; her husband Michael; her five siblings, Olga, Mary, Nickolas, Joseph, and William.

 

Helen, or “Nono” to those who were close to her, grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba with five siblings in a small home on Aberdeen Avenue, which she continued to reside at until late in life. Helen was a born giver, and a true angel on Earth. She spent most of her life helping others whether that be babysitting, cooking, baking, cleaning, being an ear to listen, or a shoulder to cry on, she was always the first to help.

 

Later in life, Helen enjoyed spending time bowling at Billy Mosienko lanes and playing bingo. Helen’s main priority in life was family. If she wasn’t with those she loved, then she was on the phone chatting away with family, neighbours, and friends.  She took immense pride in being a grandmother to Jonathan and Alyssa, the children of her daughter, Barbara (Roman), as well as her granddogs Zoey, Max, and Buddy. She was there for every milestone and spoiled them with endless love.

 

After a long year of reflection, grieving, and many tears, our family hopes that, pain aside, our Nono can be remembered for her generosity and love. From raising her grandchildren, nieces, nephews; sharing her gifts from her garden; fresh laundry on the clothesline; and sharing her homemade treats with everyone around her; Helen’s warmth, wit, and soft smile will never be forgotten and her memories will live on in our aching hearts forever. Until we meet again.

 

Mom resided at Actionmarguerite St Joseph from January 2018 onward, and her family want to thank the staff for their friendships and wonderful care.

 

Helen’s family kindly requests that all of her friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour her memory by watching the photo-biography above. Please, also consider sharing your own photos, memories, and stories by making use of the comment section on this page.

 

Broken Chain 

by Ron Tranmer

We little knew that morning that

God was going to call your name.

In life we loved you dearly,

in death we do the same.

 

It broke our hearts to lose you,

you did not go alone;

for part of us went with you

the day God called you Home.

 

You left us peaceful memories,

your love is still our guide;

and though we cannot see you,

you are always at our side.

 

Our family chain is broken,

and nothing seems the same;

but as God calls us one by one,

the chain will link again.

​