HELEN SAMPSON (PYLYPCHUK)

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HELEN SAMPSON (nee PYLYPCHUK) May 14, 1925 April 9, 2011 Peacefully, with family by her side, after a short but extremely courageous battle with cancer, our dearest Mum, Grandma and Gram Gram passed away on April 9 at the Victoria General Hospital, a few weeks short of her 86th birthday. She will be lovingly remembered by her sister Myrtle; sons Brian (Sandie), Ken (Kei); daughters Mary Beth (Stan) Sparkes, Rosemary (Rick) Vanderpol, Catherine (Michael) Crivici; grandchildren Christopher, Rosanna (Morgan), Kalinda (Trevor), Jonathan and Benjamin; great-grandchildren Hailey, Jaya, Emily-Grace, Charlie, and Joshua; and numerous in-laws and relatives from both sides of the family. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Earl in 2007; sisters Mary and Alice; and brothers Walter, Bill and Myroslaw. Helen was born and raised in Winnipeg, the daughter of Ukrainian immigrants. After graduating from St. John's High School, she was working in the office at Deer Lodge Hospital when she met Earl Sampson, marrying on December 8, 1945. They were posted with the RCAF to numerous air bases across Canada, where they had many adventures and made many life-long friends. Upon Earl's retirement from the RCAF, they moved to his hometown of Manitou, MB, living there for 35 years until Earl's ill health prompted a move back to Winnipeg in 2005. Helen was a dedicated volunteer, church member, youth leader and mentor. She began her involvement in Scouts Canada while the boys were young, training scores of future Scout leaders across the prairie provinces, spanning three decades. She was a long-time member of the United Church, serving in various capacities at the local, provincial and national levels over the years. Gardening was her passion, and she was happiest with dirty hands and rose thorns in her fingers. Mum had a quiet strength, fierce loyalty, great compassion and an extraordinary faith, which helped her face her last weeks with a grace and dignity that few are fortunate to witness. Her love and concern for her family was foremost in her thoughts, and we will forever be blessed by having her as our Mum. As per Helen's wishes, cremation has taken place, and a private family gathering will be held during the summer. Donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba or a charity of your choice in her memory.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 16, 2011