HELEN MARIE SUTHERLAND (TRUTHWAITE)

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HELEN MARIE SUTHERLAND (nee TRUTHWAITE) April 13, 1916 - March 29, 2005 Peacefully on Tuesday at the Betel Home in Selkirk, MB, at the age of 88 years, Helen passed away with her family by her side. Helen was predeceased by her husband Lorne; her son Jerry; parents Mabel and Charles Truthwaite; and brothers, Allan and Harry. She will be lovingly remembered and forever in the hearts of her children, Marie (Gary), Rick (Laurie); daughter-in-law Janis; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Burzuik and Irene Sutherland; grandchildren, Stacey (Steve) Bent and Shane of Calgary, Janelle, Justin, Katie, Kirstin and Kelsey; great-grandchildren, Taylor and Brooklyn; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Helen was born and raised on the family farm in Cloverdale, MB. She began nurses' training in 1936 at the first Selkirk General Hospital. She then travelled to Norway House, MB, where she continued her nursing for several years. Upon her return home, she went to work at the Dynevor Hospital north of Selkirk. In 1955 she began working at the newly built Selkirk General Hospital, then finally the Betel Home in Selkirk until her retirement. Helen and Lorne met in 1944 and were married on December 7, 1946, at St. Matthews Church in Cloverdale, where they resided for a few years. They then moved to Selkirk, where they raised their three children. In 1970, they returned to Cloverdale to farm, and then retire. Mom was a dedicated and compassionate nurse who truly enjoyed her profession. She was an accomplished piano player who enjoyed many types of music. She loved to knit and crochet for her family members. Rarely did a newborn in her family leave the hospital without her handmade baby clothes. Helen had a knack for growing indoor plants. She was so adept at this hobby, she had it down to an exact science. She also enjoyed bingo and bowling and socializing with family and friends. While in Norway House, Mom learned the traditional method of bannock-making, which she brought home with her. She passed it down to her daughter Marie, who still makes it to this day. Above all this, Mom's greatest love was her family, and she was happiest when together with them. We would like to express many thanks to the wonderful and caring staff at the Betel Home in Selkirk. The care and compassion shown by them to our mother will never be forgotten. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 2 at 2:00 p.m. in the Gilbart Funeral Home in Selkirk with Rev. Stephen Sharman officiating. Honorary pallbearers are Jean and Gordon Still, Buddy and Norman Einarson, Dar Massey and Randy Pastetnik. In lieu of flowers, donations in Helen's memory may be made to the St. Matthews Anglican Church Memorial Fund, care of Rick Sutherland, 780 Pigeon Bluff Rd., St. Andrews, MB R1A 4J8. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 01, 2005