Helen Ternowski

Helen was born on a farm in Buchanan, SK, and came to Hamilton, ON at age 17, where she resided for the rest of her life. Although she never married or had children, she was a godmother to three, and was like a second mom or grandma to many. She will be lovingly remembered by her last remaining sibling, Elsie Genoway of Rama, SK, dozens of nieces and nephews and their families, as well as her long-time friend, Cecile Volf.

Helen was a very active member of the Women’s League at St. Stanislaus Church on Barton St. E., helping with everything from fundraising sales to making perogies. She was a diligent and valued employee until her retirement at Wallace Barnes, where she made many lasting friendships. She regularly visited friends and family members in hospital, bringing them cheer with her cheeky sense of humour. Helen was remarkably healthy and active. She rode the Hamilton buses everywhere, walked whenever possible, and heartily enjoyed her regular coffee get togethers with friends at Walmart and Jackson Square -- which she walked to from her apartment on Robinson St. even in her 90s! She loved playing BINGO, and truly enjoyed her regular outings to Casino Niagara and several trips to Soaring Eagle in Michigan. She enjoyed a busy social life with parties and dances, and loved taking road trips and traveling across the world. She was independent and strong -- a force to be reckoned with!

Helen was predeceased by her parents Katie and Ludwig Ternowski, stepfather Steve Belitski, her siblings Joe, John (Steffie), Mike, Frank, Peter (Minnie), Anne Skihar (Mathew), and brother-in-law Edmund Genoway, as well as her close friends Casha Gradzki, Marion Alder, and Jean Soltyka. We sincerely thank her physician Dr. Jennifer Martini for her compassionate care in Helen’s senior years. We also thank her wonderful “apartment buddies” Reenie White, Gabby Faehrmann, and Christine Konow for their invaluable help. Helen spent her last few years at Idlewyld Manor, a lovely and caring home.

Our family is grateful to their amazing staff, especially to those on Orchard View who went above and beyond in their level of care. We send special thanks to those who were able to visit Helen, reminding her of how much she was loved. A Visitation will be held at Markey-Dermody Funeral Home, 1774 King St. East (at Kenilworth) on Wednesday, June 12th at 9 a.m., followed by a Catholic Service in their chapel at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at the Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery, 600 Spring Gardens Rd., Burlington. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Helen’s memory to Idlewyld Manor (Palliative Care), or to a charity of your choice.