Mrs. Helen Dowhaniuk Norek

June 2nd, 1913 – June 24th, 2014

"A heart of gold stopped beating - God only takes the best"

Peacefully at the Lions Manor Nursing Home, Helen Norek passed away at age 101.

She is survived by her sister, Irene (John) Kalina of B.C, numerous nieces and nephews, as well as many great nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents Donka and Fredrick Dowhaniuk, her husband Karl Norek, brothers and sisters, Vera (Stan) Olender, Mary (Michael) Fliss, Olga (John) Kozak, Anne (Dick) Matthews, Alec (Majilla) Downaniuk, Ted (Vicky) Dowhaniuk, Elsie (Steve) Kozak, Nick (Evelyn) Dowhaniuk.

Helen grew up in Gypsumville, Manitoba and moved to Winnipeg as a teenager. She shared an apartment with her sister Irene, until meeting and marrying her husband Karl Norek. They bought a small farm just outside of Winnipeg and later moved back to the city. They lived on Albert Street for many years where Karl had a garage. Helen worked for many years in the kitchen as well as waitress for The Lion's Manor. She loved her job and told many stories of her years there.

Having no children of her own, she often looked after her 3 nephews, Freddie, Len, and Stan Olender. They would come in from Gypsumville many a summer and stay with her. Helen loved to cook and she had many Christmas dinners in her small apartment. She somehow fit everyone in. She also loved when family members would visit her and sleep over. She loved playing crib, and walking to the Bay downtown to shop and have lunch with her sister Mary. Helen was very active, she enjoyed life to the fullest. She loved her family and friends. She was really the person who kept the family together. Never having a bad word to say about anyone, never judging anyone, she had the kindest and biggest heart. She never forgot a birthday, even if she just gave a call. She made afghans for many, if not all, of the family. Helen was a special person, who taught a lot of us about forgiving, loving and being the best we could be. In later years, as she started having a few health issues, she never complained. She will be dearly missed.

Funeral services will be held at Thomson “In the Park" Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard on Tuesday July 8th, 2014 at 2:00 pm. Following the service, interment will take place at Thomson “In the Park” Cemetery. It is a short walk for those who are able, or a ride for those who are not. There will be a light lunch served directly after the interment.

The family would like to thank the kind staff at the Lion's Manor 4th floor, for taking such good care of our Auntie. Thank you also to Brian White for doing an awesome job as Health Directive for Helen. He was always on hand to bring her whatever she needed.

THOMSON “IN THE PARK”

204-925-1120

Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com