HELEN LAGSDINE -

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

HELEN LAGSDINE 1914 - 2000 On Saturday, July 8, 2000 at the St. Boniface Hospital following a brief courageous battle with cancer, Helen Lagsdine formerly of Lac du Bonnet, Man. passed away peacefully with her loved ones by her side. She is survived by her son Davis (Treece) of Winnipeg; daughter Shelley Neufeld (Hank) of Princeton, B.C.; three grandchildren; sisters, Dorothy (Dolly) Karklin of Lac du Bonnet, Joyce Alksne of Pinawa and a special daughter-in-law Amy. Also left to cherish her memory are numerous nieces and nephews, relatives and friends. Helen was predeceased by her husband Oscar and brother Herb and a special friend Howard Schlorff. The eldest of Latvian immigrants, John and Matilda Alksne, Mom was born at home in Lettonia, September 16, 1914. She attended Newcombe School and later St. Johns Tech in Winnipeg. Always a hard worker her careers took many turns including delivering mail by horse and buggy, teaching, post office clerk, hardware clerk, turkey farming, cook and hospital supply. Widowed with two young children she adapted to whatever job was available to raise them before daycare and subsidies.Later in her mid life she began her last career at the Pinawa Hospital and continued this until her retirement. Her retirement did not mean she quit work, she threw herself into gardening, sewing, crocheting and crafts. She was an advocate for seniors working at the Pioneer Club in various capacities and eventually became President. A special memory for her was during her term being invited to Rideau Hall for dinner with her "special Eddy" then Governor General Schreyer. She was a conservationist and recycler long before it became fashionable. Never afraid to experiment agriculturally her flower garden was an ever changing botanical delight. When she could no longer maintain it to her high standards because of her failing health she decided to pull up stakes and move into an apartment in the city and try balcony gardening and crafts which she did right up to her final few weeks. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Ward 5B of the St. Boniface Hospital for the care and compassion shown to her during her stay, it will not be forgotten, may God bless you for your kindness. Cremation has taken place and a private committal service will be held in the Lettonia Cemetery. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, July 15 at 2:30 p.m. from Russell Funeral Homes, Lac du Bonnet Chapel with Rev. Arnold Fast officiating. If friends so desire memorial donations in Helens memory may be made to a charity of ones choice. RUSSELL FUNERAL HOMES LTD. & CREMATORIUM of Beausejour and Lac du Bonnet, Man. in care of arrangements. 1-204-268-2263.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 11, 2000