HELEN OSACHUK (WEPRUK)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

HELEN OSACHUK (nee WEPRUK) February 15, 1919 January 8, 2011 It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our dear mother, Baba and great-grandmother Helen on Saturday, January 8, 2011 at the St. Boniface Hospital. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Ron (Joan), Terri (Morgan) Smith, Bill (Darlene); her grandchildren Wendy (Jeff), Andrew, Rachel, Darrin (Rachelle), Kerri (Trevor), and Jonathan; her great-grandchildren Matthew, Brenna, Brody and Carter. She is survived by her brothers Mike, Paul (Alice), Bill (Dorothy), and Stan (Elma). Helen will be greatly missed by her extended family in Norman's Cove, Newfoundland. She was predeceased by her loving husband John (1979), her granddaughter Melanie Smith (1997), her sisters Annie, Nettie, Katie, Val, Margaret, and her brothers Nick and John. Helen was born in Sundown, MB to Peter and Mary Wepruk (Makowsky). Although Helen was very modest and reserved, in her early youth she often played a lead role and sang at the local community theatre. As a young girl, she left home shortly after her father passed away to work in Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario at various resorts, restaurants, and camps. She met her husband at a local community dance and they were married on October 21, 1944. They resided for a number of years in the Emo District of Northwestern Ontario where they opened a café upon which she became known for her incredible pies! John and she moved to Gardenton in 1957 establishing a turkey ranch. Mom enjoyed gardening and tending to her flowers as well as being an accomplished seamstress. She was a loving mother who took an active role in community life and was known for her hospitality and wonderful meals. Her chicken noodle soup left an indelible memory on all who tasted it! I'll never forget Baba's chicken noodle soup, was a line every person said once they tasted it! In 1987, Helen retired and moved to St. Vital where she continued to remain active crocheting, doing needlework and knitting mittens for her grandchildren. The family would like to thank the caring staff at the Misericordia Health Centre where she resided for the last 20 months. A prayer service will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at the Vita Funeral Home, Railway Ave. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Thursday, January 13, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Michael's Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Gardenton, MB with Father Myron Pozniak officiating. Interment to follow at the parish cemetery. Pallbearers will be Darrin Smith, Doug Calmain, Trevor Elyk, Gary Wepruk, Tim Osachuk, and Frank Wepruk. Arrangements entrusted to: Vita Funeral Home 204-425-3114

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 11, 2011