HELEN SARAMAGA

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HELEN SARAMAGA (nee Harasymec) Peacefully on Wednesday, December 8, 2004, Helen passed away at the Beausejour Hospital at the age of 85 years, with her family by her side. Helen will be lovingly remembered by her sons, Don (Lorraine) and their children, Cheryllynn (Dennis Martai) and Ryan (Cheri), Robert (Stephanie) and their children, Cathy (Kelly Mackereth) and Andrew (Diane Drader). She is also survived by her youngest sister Olga Skura, sister-in-law Nellie Harasymec, brother-in-law Fred Dudych and many nieces and nephews. Helen was predeceased by her beloved husband of 49 years, Paul in 1989. She was also predeceased by brothers and sisters, Mary Horodny, Polly Lyzun, Steve Harasymec, Ann Shalay, Eva Dudych and Dan Harasymec. Helen was born on March 15, 1919 in Cooks Creek, MB to Stephan and Mary Harasymec. Her mother passed away when Helen was 8 years old and she was immediately called on to help in the care of her younger siblings. Helen and Paul were married in 1940 and they spent their subsequent years building their farm in the (Sapton) Hazelridge area, growing all types of grains and livestock, and raising their family. In 1976 they "retired" to their new home on land adjacent to their original farmstead. Here Helen and Paul enjoyed tending to their yard landscaping and fruit trees, gardening, and spending time overindulging their grandchildren. They also enjoyed travelling, including trips to Palm Springs, Florida, Hawaii, and a special trip to the Ukraine where they toured and visited relatives living "in the Old Country". Helen was a quiet, kind and gentle person. She had a special way with animals as was obvious from her tender treatment over the years of numerous cows, calves, puppies and kittens. Her adopted dog "Boomer" and her doorstep "pussies" were the latest manifestation of this tenderness. Helen was an excellent cook and meals were always special whether it was a festive occasion, Sunday dinner with family and friends or a humongous field lunch. Grandma always took time and care to make everyones favourites. Aside from looking after her family, Helen was most happy working in her vegetable and flower gardens and showing them off to everyone who visited, often sending them home with containers of produce, strawberries, raspberries or pickles and preserves. Prayers will be said on Sunday, December 12 at 7:30 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. Funeral service will be held on Monday, December 13 at 10:00 a.m. at the Ukrainian Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, 1175 Main St. with Rev. Fr. Alexander Harkavyi officiating. Interment to follow in Sapton Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ryan Saramaga, Andrew Saramaga, Dennis Martai, Richard Skura, Eugene Harasymec and Ken Harasymec. If friends and family so desire, donations in Helens memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 200 - 6 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3L 9Z9 or the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 10 - 120 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 9Z9. Vichnaya Pamyat CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 11, 2004