HELEN SMANDO (KARPOWICH)

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HELEN SMANDO (nee KARPOWICH) May 16, 2003 We, Judy and Leslie, the daughters of Helen Smando, with hearts broken announce Moms passing on Friday, May 16, 2003 at St. Boniface Hospital. With us holding her hands, Mom quietly went to join our Dad so they could once again "polka" together. Mom was a very special lady who always put her family first. There was no task too small or too big that she wouldnt take on for us. Even after suffering a stroke in 1979 that left her paralysed on one side, Mom never ceased to amaze us with her positive attitude, determination and strong will. She always found a different way to do things with one hand that many of us would have difficulty doing with two. Her favorite statement was "I have to do this myself" and she usually did. She was an inspiration to us all. Mom was always there for us whether it was cautiously offering advice or using one hand to paint pictures, make homemade muffins or giving us beautiful homemade Christmas decorations which we will treasure forever. She always put others first and was so grateful for anything anyone did for her. The trips to Vancouver (Leslies home) where the three of us would "shop, shop, shop" were special to Mom. More often than not us girls were exhausted, but Mom kept on going! We had hoped for one more trip this summer, but it was not to be. Mom occupies a large place in our hearts that is filled with love. We are so blessed to have had such a great Mom. Thank you Mom for being the loving, caring person you were. We will miss you more than you can ever imagine and life will never be the same without "our Mom". Besides us girls, Mom leaves to mourn her passing her two son-in-laws, Edward Zurawzuk and Sean Trowski; her brother Steve Karr and wife Gwen, along with many nieces and nephews. Mom also leaves behind many wonderful and special friends. Mom was predeceased by our dad, Michael in 1977; her mom Katherine in 1983; her dad Thomas in 1967 and her dear nephew Tom in 1999. We would like to thank the staff of Emergency and A5 at St. Boniface Hospital for their caring and compassion during Moms short stay. To Dr. John Tanner a very special thank you for making it possible for us to have Mom with us this past year. Also a thank you to Dr. Nour and Dr. Jennifer Wiebe. We would like to thank the staff of Home Care for being there for Mom and helping her with many daily tasks especially this last year. A very special "thank you" also goes to all of our friends who almost always started a conversation with "How is your Mom doing?" Your concern meant so much to us. In accordance with Moms wishes, cremation has taken place and Mom will be buried with Dad in a private family service at a later date. A celebration of Moms life will take place on Friday, May 23 at 1:00 p.m. at Voyage Funeral Home on the corner of Henderson Highway and Hespeler Avenue. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Moms name may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 200-6 Donald St., or to the Stroke Recovery Association of Manitoba Inc., 1-333 Vaughan Ave. Mom has left this earth a better place to be. Keep dancing Mom! Arrangements Entrusted To: VOYAGE FUNERAL HOMES 220 Hespeler Ave. at Henderson Hwy.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 21, 2003