HELEN KOKAS (CICA) (ILONA TAKACS)

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HELEN KOKAS (CICA) (nee ILONA TAKACS) March 25th, 1919 August 28th, 2010 Helen leaves to cherish her memory her son Nic Kokas (Debbie Margolis) of Vancouver, Christine Kokas (Win Hedges) of Winnipeg, grandchildren Matthew, Ananda, Natalie and Rachelle, and great-grandchildren Aisia and Miki. Also her faithful friend Glenda Yanchuk, who greatly assisted and cared for her over the years. Helen was born in Hungary and met her husband Dr. Louis Kokas when she owned and operated the University Café Bar in Budapest, which was aptly named The Darling Café'. The Second World War came along and changed the course of their lives forever. After enduring many hardships and political strife in Hungary throughout the Second World War, Helen and her infant son finally escaped through Austria and then on to Paris, France, to be joined by her husband later, where the three of them lived for only two years before emigrating to Montreal in 1951. There, Helen ran two delicatessen shops a very savvy business woman. In 1973, then a family of four, they moved to Toronto, and subsequently, after retirement, Helen and her husband moved on to Winnipeg in 1981 to reside near Christine and her family. After Louis' death in 1986, Helen managed alone staying active with family, her love of music, and was an accomplished Bridge player. She always missed her loving husband. She was funny, she loved her family, and will be sadly missed by all of us. We wish to thank all the wonderful staff at St. Norbert Nursing Home who helped Helen feel cheerful and involved over the past two and one-half years. Helen was always well, and passed away peacefully at the Home, just as she had wished to do. Good bye Mom, we love you.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 01, 2010