HELEN ROSE GOJAN

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HELEN ROSE GOJAN 1929 2006 On the morning of Saturday, June 24, 2006, Helen passed away peacefully in her sleep, at her residence at Holy Family Nursing Home, at the age of 76 years. Helen was born August 13, 1929. She was one of four children born to parents Katherina and Nicholas Gojan, who have predeceased her. She was also predeceased by her nephew Lloyd Buffie. Her sisters, Lillian Buffie, Florence Gojan and brother John Gojan, will be left to cherish her memory and mourn her passing. Auntie Helen will also be sadly missed by Lillian's children; Gary Buffie (Cathy Van de Vorst), Marilynn Phillips (Alan, great-nephew Scott) of Calgary, David Buffie (Mary-Anne), Jim Buffie (Lara), Sandy Waite (Rob, great-niece Brookelynn) and Chris Cowan (Larry); as well as other relatives, friends and caregivers. Helen was a very loving person. In spite of her struggles medically, she was very bright and intuitive in her own special way. She had a great sense of humour, loved to laugh and smile, and would even make quick witted comments now and then which always made us laugh. She remained close to her siblings and parents, even when she lived full time at Selkirk Institute in her earlier years, making her regular Saturday trip home to visit for the day, but especially on holidays where she could enjoy her favorite home cooked meals. Helen was always thrilled to have family visits with nieces and nephews where she could ask endless questions to stay updated on everyone's comings and goings. In May of 1994, Helen moved in to Winnipeg where she resided at various nursing homes before finally settling in at her permanent residence on St. Joseph's Ward 4A at Holy Family Nursing Home. Helen appreciated her caregivers, never forgetting a name, and was excited and happy when they returned from extended absences or holidays. When Helen was down, they knew the best way to brighten her up was to give her Pepsi or Coke and popcorn twists or cheezies. Of course she absolutely had to have her coffee, thankfully without her former cigarette habit. She simply LOVED to eat and would always ask for more! Helen looked forward to sunny days where they could be spent outside in the gardens, and would object when it rained. She enjoyed her one-on-one companion visits and would talk continuously unless she was busy with her favourite activities; Bingo, visiting the birds and fish, drawing, doing crafts, or getting her nails done. Helen's gracious caregivers at Holy Family have made some wonderful memories with her throughout the years. We have no doubt that Helen considered them all an extension of her existing family and loved them just as much. Helen was easily pleased and never had high expectations about people, but simply accepted everyone for who they were inside, and loved them anyway. She is now in the arms of God and in a place where she is accepted, a place that is perfect and peaceful. Flowers are gratefully declined. The family requests that donations be made to the Holy Family Nursing Home or to the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 28 at 1:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St., with interment to follow at Brookside Cemetery. She is free to soar with angels wings! CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 27, 2006