HELEN JANET GUEST

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HELEN JANET GUEST January 18, 1926 - April 30, 2010 It is with a profound sense of loss that her family announces the passing of Helen (Couper) Guest. She leaves to mourn her passing, her husband of 63 years, David; her five children and their spouses: Barbara (Rob) McIntyre, Andrea (Andy) Alkier, Carol (Randy) Dueck, Bruce (Laurie) and Douglas (Allison), as well as 10 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; her sister Evelyn (Don) Lamond; and David's sisters, Margaret Wilson and Liz (Keith) Ebbern. Helen was born in Winnipeg and grew up on Home Street. She graduated from Gordon Bell High School where she made many lifelong friends. She participated actively in sports throughout her life, becoming an accomplished swimmer in her teen years and a competitive curler as an adult. She was proud to have represented Manitoba at the national level in both swimming and curling. It was through her swimming that she met David. They enjoyed many happy hours with their friends at the YMCA, YWCA, the Canoe Club, and the Winnipeg Winter Club. Helen was a devoted mother to her five children and an involved and loving Nan to her grandchildren. She was also a tolerant caregiver of far too many adopted family pets. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren have all proudly worn sweaters hand-knit by Nan. Helen was also an avid reader, gardener and played in the same bridge club for 55 years. She was an active, lifelong volunteer who contributed many hours to a variety of Winnipeg organizations and charities, including the YWCA and the St. Agnes Guild. In 1959 Dave and Helen built a family cottage on Sunset Boulevard at Victoria Beach. From then on, summers were spent at the beach with her children. Over time, the cottage absorbed grandchildren and great-grand-children, always warmly welcomed, and Helen was a master at hosting dinners, wiener roasts and picnics for her ever growing family. A private family service is planned. Anyone wishing to remember Helen may do so with a donation in Helen's name to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 6 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 03, 2010