Helen Namtu

Helen was born December 17, 1923 on a farm near Kayville, Saskatchewan to Natalie and Paul Olarie. She grew up there with sister Mary, and brothers Dan, John and George. During these early years she learned the value of hard work, love of family and how to nurture and grow children.

During the war years, she left home to work in Regina until Rudy returned. They married in November of 1946. Moose Jaw was home until 1995 when they moved to Regina. While in Moose Jaw, Helen became an Avon lady on the side. She was a devoted housewife and mother. She was an avid volunteer with the Moose Jaw Multicultural Association and Moose Jaw Romanian Club. Designing and painstakingly sewing costumes for the local dance troupe gave her pleasure. Rudy passed away in August of 1995 and Mom made a good life for herself as a widow.

Over the years our home was a place of gathering and celebration for family and friends. We enjoyed fantastic meals and made lifetime memories playing cards, picnicking in Happy Valley and BBQ’s in the backyard.

Helen’s 93 years were well spent nurturing and caring for Rudy, the girls and their families, extended family and friends. She enjoyed gardening, cooking reading, doing puzzles and playing cards. Linda and Karen were always dressed in stylish clothes fashioned and lovingly sewed by Helen. We have all been blessed to know and love her. She leaves to mourn her daughters and spouses, Linda (Rollie) Cairns and Karen (Marty) Brown; grandchildren Todd Cairns (Michelle); Tara Brown (Fernanda), Chelsey (Jonathan) Hobson and Nolan Brown (Michelle); great-grandchildren Brady Ross, Monroe Hobson and Cameron Hobson. She is also survived by her sister Mary Ursu and Brian; brother George Olarie, Norma and Natalie.

She was predeceased by her husband Rudy, parents Natalie and Paul Olarie, grandsons Trent Cairns and Travis Brown; brothers Dan (Eleanor) Olarie and John Olarie.

We greatly appreciate the caring staff and activities sponsored at the Bentley where she enjoyed a busy social life.

The last few years she was most engaged when speaking of her great-grandchildren. Visits with Brady were highlights and keeping track of Monroe and Cameron through social media was meaningful and brought joy.

May her spirit live within us.

A Celebration of her Life will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. at Victoria Avenue Funeral Home, 2080 East Victoria Avenue, Regina, SK. To leave online messages of condolence for the family, please visit www.leefunerals.com