HELEN MARTHA KUHARSKI (SZUCKI)

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HELEN MARTHA KUHARSKI (nee SZUCKI) Died peacefully in the early morning hours on Sunday, April 7, 2002, surrounded by family. Helen was born near Polonia, MB on November 23, 1917. She was one of 13 children born to Catherine (Katie) Wahoski and Joseph Szucki. Helen was predeceased by her husband Tony and by sisters, Rose Wabick, Mary Kwiatkowski, Verna Polnick, Helen (who died in infancy) and by brothers, Pete, Joseph, Stanley, Alex, Andrew, and Adam (who died in infancy). Helen is survived by her sister Agnes Prawdzik; and brothers, Bill, Steve and Donald. After leaving school, Helen worked in Winnipeg for awhile before returning to Polonia and marrying Anthony (Tony) Kuharski on October 18, 1941. One of Helens strengths was her acceptance of life and what it brought, whether good or not so good. She accepted what life dealt her and got on with it, making the best of every situation without complaint. Helen and Tony had seven children, Leona Crowe, Bud Kuharski, John Kuharski, Dolores Hogan, Joe Kuharski, Mary-Ann Turner, and Tim Kuharski. Helen completed her Nurses Aide course on June 12, 1968 and accepted employment at Eastview Lodge that same year. She worked there until retirement in 1981 when she and Tony moved to Neepawa. Helen always had the time and energy to be patient, understanding and physically and emotionally supportive. The extent of her enduring love and acceptance is a matter of many heartwarming stories. Helen was a devout Christian and maintained a religious family. All of her children were well schooled in their Catholic faith. She herself was one of the churchs most devout and faithful attendees. Helen was very proud of each and every one of her grandchildren including Bud and Terry Kuharskis Ken and Michelle; John Kuharskis Paul, John Jr. and Sandy; Joe Kuharskis Robert and Chantel; Mary-Ann and Tom Turners Dusty and Kelly; Tim and Monica Kuharskis Christopher, Bryce and Brett; and her five great-grandchildren. All of Helens in-laws felt honoured and blessed by her love and acceptance of them as members of her extended family. Helen was a great hostess. No matter who the visitor or when they arrived, she wanted to ensure you were well fed. The quality of her pastry and pickles will never be equalled. The variety of cookies, cakes, tarts, pies and other desserts she offered on her table at every meal was exceptional. Helen had her share of difficulties in life but she wasnt one to complain or burden others with her problems or pain. She was gracious, kind, loving, understanding, tolerant and non-judgemental. She was and will always be a role model for her family and those who had the pleasure of knowing her. In years to come the grandchildren who had the pleasure of experiencing her love, her personality, and unyielding faith, will come to recognize even more than they do now, her great qualities and will be proud they are grandchildren of Helen. They will be telling their children and grandchildren about this wonderful person who so enriched the lives of all who enjoyed the benefits and pleasure of her love. Service was held on April 10 at St. Dominics Roman Catholic Church, Neepawa, MB. She will be missed, even though her spirit and love will always be with us.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 20, 2002