HELEN LASKO

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

HELEN LASKO September 18, 1918 - February 23, 2005 Peacefully on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 Helen Lasko passed away after a short illness at the St. Boniface Hospital. Helen was born in Vita, MB on September 18, 1918. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Michael in 1990; her parents, Nazar and Fedora Bodnarchuk and her siblings, Mary Symchych, Bill Bodnarchuk, Sophie Storozuk, Anne Prochuk, Walter Bodnarchuk, Olga Smigelski, Stella Wood, Jarvis Bodnarchuk, and Sally Bodnarchuk. She leaves to cherish her memory sons, Michael (Judy) of Winnipeg, MB, Daniel (MaryLee) of Kilworthy ON, Paul (Lorraine) of Winnipeg, MB, and daughter Elaine (Lawrence) of Calgary, AB; grandchildren, David and wife Janice, Cathy, David and Eda Monique Brown, Mark and Shanaree Brown, Dennis and Chantel Hunter, Nadine and Jason Arnal, Lorissa and Ivan Strychowskyj; great-grandchildren, Ben Pniosky and Alexander Brown; as well as sisters, Annette Niklaus of Chicago, IL and Kay (Nick) Pona of Winnipeg, MB. Helen was born and spent her early years in Vita and moved to Winnipeg to complete her high school studies. She worked in her brother-in-law's pharmacy with the hope of pursuing a career in pharmacy. While employed in the pharmacy she met her husband to be, Michael and they married in 1942 in Toronto, ON. Together they raised their four children and participated actively in the Ukrainian Orthodox community. They returned home to Winnipeg in 1956 and continued a very active participation in the Holy Trinity Cathedral, except for the period between 1967 and 1980 when her husband's work called them back to Toronto until his retirement. During those years they were also actively involved with the St. Demetrios Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Long Branch, ON. Helen was active in many committees in the parish including, CYMK, Sunday School, The Ukrainian Women's Association of Canada (a 60+ year member of the local Lesia Ukrainka Branch) and the Ukrainian Museum of Canada (UWAC Manitoba Branch). She truly enjoyed her Ukrainian heritage and participation in the religious, social and cultural events associated with the Cathedral parish as well as St. Andrews College. She enjoyed her church bowling league immensely and continued to actively participate until her physical strength diminished in her late 70's. Helen enjoyed her home and garden and loved to have family and friends visit with her. Her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and she would proudly include information about them to all of the friends who she kept in touch with at church and on the telephone. Helen struggled with her arthritic condition but stubbornly carried on with the ultimate goal of remaining independent in her own home. With the assistance of home care services and family this was achieved until her passing. A special thank you to the physicians and nursing staff on 7A West, St. Boniface Hospital for all their kindness during her stay in the hospital. Prayers will be said on Friday, February 25 at 7:30 p.m. at The Ukrainian Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, 1175 Main St. Funeral Liturgy will take place on Saturday, February 26 at 9:30 a.m. also at the Cathedral. The Very Rev. Fr. Henry Lakusta and Rev. Fr. Alexandr Harkavyi officiating. Interment will take place at Glen Eden Memorial Gardens with reception to follow at the Cathedral. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Ukrainian Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, 1175 Main St., Winnipeg, MB R2W 3S4 or St. Andrews College, 29 Dysart Rd., Winnipeg, MB R3T 2M7. VICHNAYA PAMYAT Arrangements entrusted to: GLEN EDEN FUNERAL HOME 4477 MAIN STREET 338-7111 Family and friends are invited to sign The Book of Condolences at: www.gleneden-mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 25, 2005