HELEN MARGARET GMITZYK

Helen passed away peacefully with family by her side.

She was predeceased by her husband Bernie Gmitzyk; mother and father Nancy and Herbert Gahr; and sister Barbara Wiesner.

Her memory will be cherished by her children, Christopher, Stephen, Michele (Roy), Eileen (Alvin) and Theresa (Chris).

She will also be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren, Jonathon (Vicky), Andrew (Sam), Alyssa, Annika (Brock), Sydney (Cole), Paul (Jessica), Katherine and Madeline; along with great grandchildren, Mason, Noah, Chase and brand new baby Amelia.

Helen was raised in Hilbre Manitoba, brought up on the farm with her Mom, Dad and sister Barb. They had a fun childhood helping with the animals, skating on the pond, skiing, going to the beach and playing baseball. Their school was at the end of their road which they walked to each day but on the really cold days, their Dad would take them by horse and sleigh.

Mom gave us many wonderful gifts such as books, music, laughter and each other. Our childhood memories include homemade outfits, money in birthday cakes, warmed towels when getting out of the bath, scaring us silly and lots of great stories. We had wonderful days on the beach having picnics, swimming and playing in the sand. Many nights were spent on the farm having bonfires, corn roasts and sing-alongs.

Mom loved her big farm kitchen. Some of her specialties included cream chicken, Hawaiian Pork, perogies, cabbage rolls, Klik buns, I Dream of Weenies, orange sandwiches, raspberry cake and jellyroll. Many great things came out of her giant garden. At Christmas, she baked up a storm for the whole family. There were melt in your mouth shortbread, mincemeat tarts and Swedish cookies.

She enjoyed having her family at the farm with Bernie. We were all very lucky to experience horseback riding, feeding animals, collecting eggs, growing the garden and general farm life. We especially loved a good bingo night at the town hall with Mom, Grandma and Auntie Ebba!

Mom had many jobs throughout her life. She worked at Dutchmaid Ice cream (our favourite), Salsbury House, The Winnipeg Free Press, Homecare Worker and an Avon Lady for a number of years. Her volunteer career was also busy fostering children and working as a treasurer for The Faulkner Community Center. She was a dedicated manager of the farm looking after her rancher husband, the workers, the books, the meals, and the day to day trials and tribulations of running a cattle ranch.

Mom loved her clothes and never came out of her room in the morning without a nice outfit and her makeup done. She was impeccable that way. That being said, she loved a great shopping trip with her girls. She loved to read and always had a stack of books in a line up to get through. She also enjoyed a good crossword puzzle. In the later years, many great rummy games were had around the kitchen table. She loved to have her children and grandchildren at the farm. There were always great meals and tons of baking. This felt like home to us. The first thing any of us would do upon arriving at Mom’s was to check out the cookie jar! We were never let down. For the grandkids, there was always a surprise in the top drawer of her dresser. That will be a fond memory for all of them.

Helen gave us many gifts. The one we cherish the most is the gift of the importance of family. She will be greatly missed by all of us and everyone who knew her.

A private service will be held for Helen with her family in Hilbre Manitoba.

Our family would like to thank the staff at The Vista Park Lodge who cared for Mom over the past couple of years. If friends so desire, a memorial donation can be made to The Manitoba Heart and Stroke Foundation.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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