October 15, 1924 – December 25, 2014 In the presence of her family, Helen passed at the Grace Hospital after a long and productive life, on Thursday, December 25, 2014, at the age of 90 years. Left to cherish Helen’s memory are her husband Walter, the love of her life for 70 years; daughter Jocelyn Preston, and Glenn (Ingrid); beloved grandchildren Jocelyn (Jay) and husband Mike, Reid, Erin Anne, Lauren; and brother Steve Spitzer. She was predeceased by her sister, Rose Hradowy. Helen loved working on the trading floor at James Richardson & Sons at the Grain Exchange. She was a business woman, partner to Walter, in all their business ventures. They were each other’s best friend and a strong team. Together they built “Abbey Rents”. She was creative and self-taught. At the age of five, she was sewing and knitting and later became a fabric artist. Helen was a hardworking and wise mother who said she had a great life and would not have traded it for all the world until declining eyesight made it difficult to read the daily obituaries. Helen was a fighter, tough and strong and loved life. Our mother was a “depression kid” from the North end, proud of her Ukrainian heritage. Helen travelled the world wintering in Hawaii and Florida for years and could she cook!!! She was thankful for the life she had and all she was able to see and do (“It felt like a fairy tale life to an insignificant kid from the North end”.) Helen’s Funeral Service will be held on Friday, January 16, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Benedict’s Retreat and Conference Center, 225 Masters Avenue, West St. Paul, Manitoba. With the support of her family, Helen courageously faced declining health. Many thanks to the compassionate home care staff who helped her maintain her independence and remain in her home with Walter. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary’s Academy Class of 65 bursary fund, 550 Wellington Crescent, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3M 0C1. Wojcik’s Funeral Chapels & Crematorium, 2157 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada 204.897.4665, is in care of arrangements. wojciksfuneralchapel.com Publish Date: Jan 10, 2015