HELENE HARDER (HELEN)

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HELENE HARDER

On October 23, 2019, at the age of 89, Helene Harder passed away peacefully with family by her side, after succumbing to complications following an injury.
Helen (later to become known to many as Helene) was born September 27, 1930, to Peter and Helena Martens (nee Harder), in the RM of Desalaberry, near St. Pierre. She attended Ste. Genevieve School until grade 8, at which time she began her working life, which included jobs at the old Grace and St. Boniface Hospitals and the Airliner, Charterhouse, Niakwa and Fort Garry Hotels. She also worked as a restaurant manager, doctor's receptionist, cosmetics representative, housekeeper, babysitter and provided personal care to the elderly.
She was married in 1949 to Peter Harder, with whom she had two children, Valerie and Clinton; and resided in St. Vital for most of her life.
Helene was very close to family and had a deep love and concern for them as well as friends. She enjoyed walks in the woods by the Seine River with husband Peter and other family members. It was in nature that Helene felt most spiritually connected and really saw and felt the beauty and wonder that it offered. She also loved family vacations at Whiteshell Provincial Park. She practiced yoga and meditation, cooked, cleaned, baked and exercised. She loved music and attended many events at Sterling House where she lived, and recently tried her hand at painting. Helene was a member and supporter of CJNU Nostalgia Radio, Prairie Public Television, and Bluesday on Tuesday on CKUW.
Helene will be most missed and remembered as the beautiful, gracious, loving person that she was. She was well liked by everyone she met and offered unconditional love, forgiveness and acceptance to all. She was intuitive, kind and gentle as the deer she loved to watch.
Helene is survived by her brothers, Abe (Mary) and John (Jan); sister Martie; daughter Valerie; grandchildren, Christie (Ronnie), Ryan (Michelle), Dallas (Haylie); great-grandchildren, Draven (Jacob), Keiran (Josh), Blake, Zoe, Cooper and Damien; great-great-granddaughter Luna; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband of 68 years, Peter (2017); son Clinton (2008); granddaughter Laura; and siblings, Peter, Hank and Ann.
Thanks to all who made Helene's life a little brighter. To family and friends for the support, prayers, positive energy and well wishes; to the wonderful, caring staff and residents of Sterling House, and to the staff of the St. Boniface, Grace and Victoria Hospitals. And many thanks to the comforting, compassionate staff at Health Sciences Centre in her final days.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, November 21, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at Green Acres Funeral Home on Highway #1 at Navin Road in Winnipeg.

Condolences may be sent to
greeenacresfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 16, 2019