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Helene Gilges

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HELENE GILGES

March 8, 1945 – July 16, 2026

It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Helene Gilges, (née Jantz), after a brief illness, on July 16, 2026, at the age of 81. 


Mom was born March 8, 1945, in Poland and immigrated to Canada with her parents and four siblings. Her family settled in Winnipeg, Manitoba. 


Helene was predeceased by her son Thomas (Tommy) Gilges March 8, 1994 and her husband (Wilhelm) Bill Gilges, April 8, 2010. 


She is survived by her children, Perry, Trudy (Cal). Grandchildren, Melissa (Anthony), Christy (Daniel), Laura (Chase), and Alanna (Daniel). Great-Grandchildren, Claire, Elizabeth, Liliana, Luca, Nico, and Grayson. 


Helene and Bill were married in Winnipeg, May 31, 1963, at the St. Peter's Lutheran Church and shortly after moved to Camper, Manitoba. Helene loved living where she could have a flower and vegetable garden and grew to love the country lifestyle while bringing up her family. After the family grew up, Helene and Bill moved a little north to Ashern. While in Ashern Mom made many friends and volunteered for a variety of organizations and was part of the Coffee Girls group. 


Mom enjoyed, cooking, baking, sewing, gardening, and making jewelry. Over the years she became famous for the cakes she would bake for the family and friends. 


In 2020, Mom moved back to Winnipeg to be closer to family and friends. With everything Helene had in her life, she was most proud of her family, especially her granddaughters and six great-grandchildren. 


The family would like to thank the dedicated staff at the Grace Hospital for the support and care Helene was given. 


As per Mom's request, cremation has taken place and no formal service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cancer Care or a charity of your choice.


ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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Adelheid und Heinrich

July 25, 2026 at 1:34 PM

We were in touch with Helene through correspondence for many years. Every year, she sent a Christmas card to Germany. This correspondence very quickly led to wonderful phone calls and meetings. In 2001, we visited Helene and Bill in Ashern.

When we met again in 2019, it was as if we were reuniting with our sister. A wonderful feeling. Sadly, that was our last meeting.

We are deeply moved and mourn with you, her children and grandchildren, for the loving mother and kind grandmother.

Cindy Lange

July 24, 2026 at 3:21 PM

I'm so sorry for your loss. She was such a warm and gracious person, and every time I saw her she greeted me with kindness and a smile. I'm grateful to have known her, and I'm thinking of my dad and everyone who loved her during this difficult time.

Patricia

July 23, 2026 at 2:10 PM

On behalf of the pharmacy team at Safeway 4859, I want to extend my deep condolences to Trudy and her family. I've met your mom a few times and I know you were close. Those are lovely photos you've posted of Helene and are treasured memories.

❤️-Patricia

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