OBITUARY
Helen Harish
1 January, 1930 – 15 January, 2021
Helen (Karabonik) Harish passed away on January 15, 2021 at University Hospital Edmonton at the age of 91. She was born on January 1, 1930 to Nicholas and Mary Karabonik on the family farm south of Calmar, one of 15 children. She attended Humble School and, while only finishing grade 9, she developed a broad educational, business and financial skills that served her for life. She married Joseph Leo Harish of Thorsby and they later moved to Bluffton in 1956. The Harrish family, Joe & Helen, and children Dennis, Kathryn and Michael, resided 46 years at their farm two miles southwest of Bluffton. Helen worked hard on the family farm to develop the 320 acres from mainly wooded land onto a farming success. In later years, she worked in Parkland Manor and the Rimbey Hotel before she and Joe retired to the Clairview district in Edmonton.
She leaves behind a son Dennis (Anne) of Atlanta GA. Predeceased by husband Joe, daughter Kathy (Bernie) Bartko and son Michael (Rose). She will be sadly missed by 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Of her siblings from the Karabonik family, Mary Manchak of Calmar, Richard (Ann) Karabonik of Toronto, and Nadia Schneider of Nanaimo mourn her passing. And many surviving brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews of the extended Harrish and Karabonik families will miss her. She is part of a majestic family tree.
Helen was a result of her Ukrainian grandparents who came to this country 130 years ago with their young children with a dream of a better life in an emerging country. They travelled by land across Europe, and by ship to land in Nova Scotia. Then they took the train across Canada to homestead southwest of Edmonton. Their goal was to be Canadians and raise their children and grandchildren as successful Canadians. They achieved that dream.
Helen was a fiercely independent, self-sufficient, private person. She did not want to be a burden on anyone and achieved this objective throughout life. She was a proud Albertan and Canadian.
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Services
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Memories
Helen Harish
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYDonna Cartledge
January 26, 2021
I will truly miss Aunt Helen and her conversations we had. Aunt Helen was so proud of her grandchildren and great grand children. I would listen to her stories and how down to earth her wisdom. I send my deepest sympathy to Dennis, Anne and family; to Bernie and Karen and Rose.
Betty Gwozd
January 25, 2021
What a wonderful woman. Our deepest sympathies to the Harish and Karabonik families.
Betty Gwozd and family
Joyce Phillips (Harish)
January 24, 2021
We spent many enjoyable long weekends visiting Joe and Helen and the family when our children were little. So many fond memories. Helen always seemed tireless in providing for everyone! The perfect cook and the perfect hostess!
Ann Hanson
January 24, 2021
Beautiful lady, kind and compassionate. Helen and Joe were my parents neighbor’s . Joe was my school bus driver and master of ceremonies at my first wedding. I have very beautiful memories of Helen. Just received a Christmas card from her this past Christmas and I will treasure the last one and hang it again every year. May God keep you in his precious care
Linda Saunders
January 23, 2021
My only memory of Mrs. Harish was when we went from farm to farm for the 4-H Beef Club calf tour. She struck me as being a very elegant farm lady.
Most sincere condolences to Dennis, Bernie and all of the remaining family members and friends.
Keith & ADAMS
January 23, 2021
With deepest sympathy to the Bartko & Harish family, From Keith & Loretta Adams
Anne Harrish
January 23, 2021
Anne Harrish
January 23, 2021
Anne Harrish
January 23, 2021
Anne Harrish
January 23, 2021
Anne Harrish
January 23, 2021
Anne Harrish
January 23, 2021
Anne Harrish
January 23, 2021
Anne Harrish
January 23, 2021
Anne Harrish
January 23, 2021
Anne Harrish
January 23, 2021
We were married only a short while when Dennis told her the story of how I tried to make pierogies. I had them in the pot waiting for him when he got home from work and he thought it was potato soup. He was retelling the story through fits of laughter. She calmly looked at him and told him not to laugh at me for trying. Then we made pierogies together. Her patients always amazed me. This made her a wonderful grandmother. She would take on the children without ever a harsh word. She always had them in the kitchen or garden helping her and they never seem to be in the way. I learned a lot from her.
Rosemarie Berg
January 22, 2021
My deepest sympathy, Dennis and family. Will sincerely miss Helen and our phone calls and her support. She was a lovely person.