HELENA (HELEN) GIES (KLIPPENSTEIN)

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HELENA (HELEN) GIES (nee KLIPPENSTEIN) It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Helena Gies (Klippenstein) of Winnipeg on Friday, December 26, 2008 at the West Park Manor Personal Care Home. She passed away peacefully, five days before her 98th birthday. Remaining to forever cherish Helena's memory are her step-son Philip (Heather); grandchildren Michael (Joanna), Kelly McCallum (Gordon), Andrew (Tamara); great-grandchildren Olivia and Cameron; and her special nieces Maureen Hartley (Mission Viejo CA) and Diane Hartley (Minnedosa MB). She was predeceased by her first husband Jack Lawton; second husband Wilfred Gies; parents Peter and Helena; and siblings Maria, Kay, Anne, Abram, John, William, Peter and Henry. Helen was the last of her generation and special person. She was born near Steinbach MB on December 31, 1910 and lived there and in Winnipeg until her marriage to Jack Lawton. The couple moved to Flin Flon in the 1940s and enjoyed their many years there until Jack's passing in 1954. Helena married Wilfred Gies in 1961 and lived in Thompson MB until 1964 when they moved to Long Beach California. They lived and retired in the southern California area until 1998 when they returned to Winnipeg for matters of health. For the last six years Helena resided at West Part Manor in Winnipeg. Helena was a very bright and independent woman. She began a business career in the Flin Flon Credit union in the early 1950s, started the Credit Union in Thompson in the early 1960s, and established a Credit Union in Long Beach California. During her years in Flin Flon and Thompson she was also very active in the United Church and billeted students from remote communities in the North. In 1947, she and husband Jack built a cabin at Big Island Lake near Flin Flon. Her happiest memories always involved her times at the cabin with her nieces and nephews. Later, while living in California, she enjoyed visits from her grandchildren. She was a remarkably kind woman and in all the years she was an integral part of our family we cannot recall a cross word said of anyone. In her 70s and 80s, Helena was the primary care giver to her husband Wilfred as he suffered from ill health for many years. We will forever remember and be grateful for her love, caring, and friendship. A celebration of Helena's life will be held on Tuesday, December 30, at 3:00 p.m. in West Park Manor, 3199 Grant Avenue. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the Open Doors campaign, Charleswood United Church, 4820 Roblin Boulevard Winnipeg, MB R3R 0G6, Canada, or to the charity of their choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 28, 2008