RUTH HELEN LILLIAN WAINWRIGHT

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RUTH HELEN LILLIAN WAINWRIGHT August 14 1915 - April 2 2005 Peacefully, surrounded by family, our mother (Grammy Helen) passed away Saturday, April 2, 2005. She was the fourth born of 11 children to a Swedish American family on a farm at Grindstone Lake, MN on August 14, 1915. She was predeceased by her parents, Albert and Lilli Wahlberg; her brothers, Leonard, Arnold and Roy; her sister Clara; and her husbands, George Connor and Harold Wainwright. She is survived by her brothers and sisters, Lee, Bruce, Dean, Esther, Hazel and Norma; her children, David (Diane), Kathy (Jim), Rick (Jeannie), Janice (Gary) and Judy; 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by her countless friends and colleagues with whom she shared her many talents and, of course, her special friend Arthur Lightfoot. Helen attended school in Sandstone and later graduated from the Minnesota School of Business. She went to work for a local insurance company where she met her first husband George. Together they raised three children in Minneapolis and were deeply involved in their children's activities, their community and their church. After the death of her first husband, Helen met and married Harold Wainwright in 1968. She inherited another family who embraced, loved and nurtured her. The same commitment, passion and leadership she had shared in Minneapolis, was transferred to the Winnipeg community. Change of locale did not change her deep faith, love of family and belief in service. The community organizations that benefited from her time, energy and creativity were the McKinnon Guild, American Women's Club, Red River Exhibition Association, Rainbow Stage Board and Westworth United Church. In 1993 Helen was the recipient of the prestigious Teddy Award in the Builder category of the Children's Hospital Research Foundation for her dedication to the betterment of children's health. Helen loved sports, both as a participant and a spectator. Whether golfing, curling, or bowling she always competed to the best of her ability and she played to win. She was a longtime member of Southwood Golf and Country Club and the Winnipeg Winter Club. Helen's life was full and so was her social calendar. From a 6:00 a.m. workout at the Rady Centre to dancing 'til midnight, with a cribbage game and a shift at the Nearly New Shop wedged in between. Helen's energy and enthusiasm for life were infectious and made her a role model for all who knew her! A celebration of Helen's life will take place Thursday, April 7 at 2:00 p.m. at Westworth United Church, Lanark and Grosvenor. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, 100 Olivia St., Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9 or to a charity of your choice.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 05, 2005