- Winnipeg Free Press Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
HELEN NOREK (DOWHANIUK)
Born: Jun 02, 1913
Date of Passing: Jun 24, 2014
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryHELEN NOREK (nee DOWHANIUK) June 2, 1913 - June 24, 2014 "A heart of gold stopped beating - God only takes the best" Peacefully at the Lions Manor Nursing Home, Helen Norek passed away at age 101. She is survived by her sister, Irene (John) Kalina of BC, numerous nieces and nephews, as well as many great-nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents Donka and Fredrick Dowhaniuk, her husband Karl Norek, brothers and sisters, Vera (Stan) Olender, Mary (Michael) Fliss, Olga (John) Kozak, Anne (Dick) Matthews, Alec (Majilla) Downaniuk, Ted (Vicky) Dowhaniuk, Elsie (Steve) Kozak, Nick (Evelyn) Dowhaniuk. Helen grew up in Gypsumville, Manitoba and moved to Winnipeg as a teenager. She shared an apartment with her sister Irene, until meeting and marrying her husband Karl Norek. They bought a small farm just outside of Winnipeg and later moved back to the city. They lived on Albert Street for many years where Karl had a garage. Helen worked for many years in the kitchen as well as waitress for The Lion's Manor. She loved her job and told many stories of her years there. Having no children of her own, she often looked after her three nephews, Freddie, Len, and Stan Olender. They would come in from Gypsumville many a summer and stay with her. Helen loved to cook and she had many Christmas dinners in her small apartment. She somehow fit everyone in. She also loved when family members would visit her and sleep over. She loved playing crib, and walking to the Bay downtown to shop and have lunch with her sister Mary. Helen was very active, she enjoyed life to the fullest. She loved her family and friends. She was really the person who kept the family together. Never having a bad word to say about anyone, never judging anyone, she had the kindest and biggest heart. She never forgot a birthday, even if she just gave a call. She made afghans for many, if not all, of the family. Helen was a special person, who taught a lot of us about forgiving, loving and being the best we could be. In later years, as she started having a few health issues, she never complained. She will be dearly missed. Funeral services will be held at Thomson "In the Park" Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard on Tuesday, July 8, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. Following the service, interment will take place at Thomson "In the Park" Cemetery. It is a short walk for those who are able, or a ride for those who are not. There will be a light lunch served directly after the interment. The family would like to thank the kind staff at the Lion's Manor 4th floor, for taking such good care of our Auntie. Thank you also to Brian White for doing an awesome job as Health Directive for Helen. He was always on hand to bring her whatever she needed. THOMSON "IN THE PARK" 204-925-1120
Publish Date: Jul 5, 2014
HELEN NOREK (nee DOWHANIUK) June 2, 1913 - June 24, 2014 Helen passed away peacefully at the Lions Manor Nursing Home on Tuesday, June 24. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 8 at 2:00 p.m. at Thomson "In the Park" Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard. Longer obituary to follow. THOMSON "IN THE PARK" 204-925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com
Publish Date: Jun 28, 2014
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 05, 2014
Condolences & Memories (7 entries)
-
Auntie Helen was like a grandmother to me. I spent many nights and days hanging out in her little apartment, building forts, playing crib, watching the Young & Restless, walking the halls of the Lions Manor, and playing shuffleboard. As a small child I would take the bus with her to Eaton's or The Bay and have lunch at the Paddlewheel Restaurant. I would spend Summers with her in Gypsumville visiting Vera Olender. The adventures were endless and I cherish the memories. I will miss her sweet & sour spare ribs, amazing perogies, salmon sandwiches, and more importantly I will miss her incredible kind soul and the cup of tea with her. She truly was an amazing woman. - Posted by: Jaclyn Olender (Great Niece) on: Mar 19, 2021
-
I remember visiting them in Winnipeg when my mom Olga Kozak(Dowhaniuk) and dad John Kozak used to come out every year from Hamilton. We had a lot of fond memories. On a side note does anyone know the date and place that Aunty Helen and Uncle Karl were married. Aunt Irene if you read this could you forward your address so that I could get in touch? Thanks - Posted by: Henry Kozak (Aunt) on: Jul 27, 2014
-
Auntie Helen had a smile that would light up your day. Her positive energy was welcoming to everyone. She will be missed by all and the beautiful memories of her will live on. You'll always hold a special place in our hearts Auntie Helen. Love always Irene, Laura, Rob, Jake and Anya. - Posted by: The Kalina Family (Family) on: Jul 07, 2014
-
I am the nephew of Helen, the son of Alec and Majella. I only met Helen a few times when I was very young and the other more recently on business trips to Winnipeg. I enjoyed going out with Helen and Mary to a harvest dinner or just visiting in the home. I happened to be out there when she fell and injured her neck. I remember visiting her in the hospital with the neck brace on sitting in the hallway. She commented she could see my father in me. After a great visit I left and we said goodbye, she commented to me, "I love you!" Three simple words that had a very powerful impact on me. This from someone I had only met a few times in my life. It was the connection of family by a very kind and gentle soul! She will be missed! - Posted by: Ron Dowhaniuk (Nephew) on: Jul 07, 2014
-
Auntie Helen was a special person to so many people in the family. She taught us all how to love, be kind and be forgiving. Auntie was so full of life and love. She would tell many stories of her life too, and they were so interesting! She was so much fun too. She loved to laugh and joke, and just have a good time. We could go on and on about Auntie Helen. But everyone who knew her already knows the wonderful person she was, and the joy she brought to all of our lives. She is in God's Arms now. She is our angel. We love you Auntie Helen. You will be forever missed. - Posted by: Donna and Freddie Olender (Nephew and niece in law) on: Jul 07, 2014
-
To a great lady who will be greatly missed by many. Our sympathy to the Olender Family. - Posted by: Neil & Mabel Campbell (Friends) on: Jul 05, 2014
-
To a grand lady - she will be sadly missed. - Posted by: Robert and Linda Kozak (Nephew) on: Jun 28, 2014
Thomson In the Park Funeral Home and Cemetery
1291 McGillivary Blvd. (Map)
Ph: 2049251120 | Visit Website