HELEN THOMSON

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

HELEN THOMSON After a lengthy illness, Helen Thomson passed away on Wednesday, September 5, 2007. Born on December 23, 1928, in Drohobych, Poland, Helen immigrated to Canada in 1948, to start a new life in Winnipeg following the devastation of the Second World War. Helen married Wolf Thomson in 1951, and four years later welcomed the arrival their only child Harold. In 1962, the Thomson family moved to Sioux Lookout, Ontario which became home for the next thirty years. Helen created a home for us there- and extended that home to a wide circle of extended family and friends. Many guests were charmed by her hospitality, which invariably included dinners overlooking the lake, tableside debates and stories, followed by the requisite entry into our family guestbook. That guestbook spanned three decades and contains entries from all over the world. Relatively isolated in the bush , the world was never closer than around the family table, with so many who shared Helen's loving and magical way of making even relative strangers feel at home. Helen's energies were far too boundless to be confined by the four walls of her house- she worked over several decades as a teacher, a business manager, and volunteered for numerous agencies including local and regional health care boards. In all things, she gave a tremendous effort and found much success. For her, the word can't was not in her personal dictionary- when her will was applied to a cause or a project; she displayed a natural confidence and competence that was tempered by hard work and determination. In 1992, Wolf and Helen moved to White Rock, British Columbia where they started once again, a new life in retirement. Together, they volunteered and served many years on local Community Patrols and their extended family and friends now included a new cadre of West Coast residents and fellow retirees. And invariably, there were many dinners, much laughter and my mother continued to extend her gracious hospitality to all that visited their home. Helen enjoyed her time on the West Coast, but as her health deteriorated, moved back with Wolf to Winnipeg in 2006 to spend her remaining time closer to her most immediate family. And finally, it is with great sadness and disappointment that so many mourn the loss of a terrific wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend. In the end, her indomitable will to survive could not overcome the inevitable course of her illness despite everyone's best efforts. The family would like to thank the many nurses and doctors at Health Sciences Centre and St. Boniface Hospital who contributed to her care in the past week. Their efforts were greatly appreciated by the family. Helen is survived by her husband Wolf, brother Dr. Rudolph Wagemann, son Harold, daughter-in-law Alison (Wadge) and grandchildren, Paul, Erika and Wyatt. She is also present in the hearts and minds of too many others to mention. Sometimes it is only in death that we truly appreciate the presence and reach of those that touch our hearts so profoundly. In accordance with her wishes, a service will be held at Thomson In the Park Funeral Home at 1291 McGillivray Boulevard. The service will commence at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 12 with reception to follow. Flowers are welcome as are contributions to a charity of choice. Thomson In the ParK Funeral Home and Cemetery 1291 McGillivray Blvd. www.thomsoninthepark.com 925-1120

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 08, 2007