HELEN KORMAN STARR

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HELEN KORMAN STARR

June 15, 1933 - March 6, 2025

Helen, a shining light, embodied many glowing traits. She was intelligent, loyal, committed, resourceful, responsible, kind, and endowed with a bountiful work ethic. These traits were honed on the farm where she was raised. We saw the results in her “neat as a pin” North Fort Garry home, her Winnipeg Beach summer place, and her delightful gardens. Her prowess in the kitchen earned her a strong reputation among family and friends. She made prizeworthy pickles, raspberry jam, and borscht—which she generously shared.

Helen was born in Ethelbert, Manitoba, to parents Harry and Jean Korman. In 1940, she left the confines of Ethelbert to attend Success College in Winnipeg. Upon graduation, she found employment at the Canadian Pacific Railway. Helen became her family’s and friends’ emissary in the big city of Winnipeg. Attired in the latest fashions, she would return to her hometown on weekends, entertaining her loved ones with stories of city life.

Then Cupid struck. She met the charismatic Duke of Broadway, Tom Starr—a Winnipeg firefighter who stole her heart. They married in 1963 and settled in their home, where she spent the rest of her years nurturing and loving her family.

At the age of 50, Helen returned to the workforce for the Federal Government in the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs, where she worked until the age of 63. She thoroughly enjoyed this chapter of her life, making beautiful friendships and lasting memories. When her mother Jean’s health declined, Helen retired and became an integral part of her mother’s care.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Helen was a Blue Bomber season ticket holder.

In retirement, Helen and Tom enjoyed socializing, dancing and travelling until Tom’s passing in 2011. Helen carried on without him by her side, dedicated to her children and friends.

When she reached the age of 80, Helen suffered a debilitating stroke. The prognosis was dire, and Helen’s light dimmed. Doctors predicted that Helen would not walk or function again at a reasonable level. Her daughter Norma Jean disagreed with that indictment and devoted her life to Helen’s recovery. Helen’s light started to shine again. She regained mobility, strength and cognition with Norma Jean’s faith, encouragement, resources, and assistance from a devoted care team—headed by Norma Jean. Supported daily by her husband, Robert Lecker, the family rallied around her to ensure Helen would live well in her own home until her passing.

Helen met this final challenge with the same courage and dignity that were hallmarks of her character. Helen had completed her life’s shining journey. It was a full and happy life.

We will always remember Helen for her deep love of family, her intellectual curiosity, and the quiet joy she brought to those around her.

Helen is survived by her son, Rob (Keely); daughter, Norma Jean (Robert); stepson, Glenn; granddaughters, Whitney and Andrea; sister, Eileen (Dennis); beloved cousin, Sonia (Tom); sister-in-law, Eleanor; brother-in-law, David; and nieces and nephews: Sharon, Sheldon, Heather, Carolyn, Derek, Shannon, and Sherry.

In memory of Helen, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 10, 2025