Obituary of Helen SLOBODIAN

HELEN SLOBODIAN (nee SKRYPNYK) In the early hours on Wednesday, October 27, 2010, our dearly loved Mother and Granny Helen peacefully journeyed to her eternal rest. Jesus embraced and welcomed her into His Heavenly Kingdom, then He gently stepped aside and Mom 'waltzed' into Dad's loving arms. She lived to 93 years of age; her life was long, full and rich. The last 12 years were physically challenging, but with fierce determination and a strong will, she bore all obstacles with dignity, grace, and a great sense of humour. Helen is survived by her loving and devoted only daughter Darlene and grandson Duane Garett Dahl. She was predeceased by her husband Stephen, mother and father Lena and Nick Skrypnyk, favourite uncle Tony Skrypnyk sister-in-law Nettie Slobodian, sister-in-law & brother-in-law Nellie & Frank Stolash and numerous relatives; a very large family. Helen was born in Winnipeg on April 29, 1917. She attended Lord Nelson, Isaac Newton and St. John's High Schools. She was a good student excelling in Mathematics, Literature and Music. She was a voracious reader, a great advocate of exercise and nutrition, a gifted and talented classical pianist entertaining many at concerts; a well sought-after accompanist in the Ukrainian community. She was a very elegant and stylish lady; a true 'dark-haired' beauty with her gorgeous long hair. In time all her friends decided she should have a title; they thought 'Duchess' was the perfect fit. Mom's dream was to become an accomplished Interior Decorator, however, the devotion, responsibilities and obligations in assisting her parents with their busy Skrypnyk's Grocery Business made this impossible. Undaunted she decided to hone her skills by visiting the public library to learn everything she could about design and colour; she had a keen eye for placement and decor as reflected in all the homes Mom and Dad owned. Although Mom had many suitors, this all changed in 1937 when she met the love of her life, our special Dad Stephen; usually, it is love at first glance, but in their case, it was love at first 'dance', and boy did they ever. Their love of ballroom dancing was evident in their style and grace around the many dancehalls, and nightclubs throughout the city earning them the title "The Gliders"; very beautiful to watch. From the moment they wed in 1939, they enjoyed a loving, joyful life; both had personality plus. Our door was always open; any excuse to entertain was the norm. Christmas, Easter, Birthdays, Anniversaries any accomplishment was reason to celebrate. Mom and Dad along with their wide social circle of friends enjoyed all the celebrities that performed at the many nightspots Winnipeg had to offer; the Cave, Rancho Don Carlos, Club Morocco, Royal Alexandra Hotel, the Town 'N Country, etc. Arts and Culture played a big role in their lives. Many an enjoyable afternoon and evening were spent at the original Winnipeg Auditorium, The Manitoba Theatre Centre, Rainbow Stage and when the Concert Hall opened in March 1968 Mom was thrilled with the delights of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Manitoba Opera, the many Ukrainian Dance companies and choirs, but when the broadway musicals rolled into town, for example, Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera to name a few, well it was just icing on the cake. Mom held down a number of positions in her employment career, but her most favourite were her years at the Hudson's Bay Co., where she forged wonderful friendships with the 3 Gulenchyn sisters, Anne, Jean and Mom's favourite treasure Mary Ann Piercy, Estelle Flooring Kowalson and Pat McPhail. These stylish ladies were christened by fellow employees and customers alike as 'The beautiful babes at The Bay'. Mom and Dad travelled extensively throughout Canada and the US; their favourite destinations were Banff, Jasper, Hawaii, Las Vegas and Florida. Mom loved and cared for everyone in the family; she was selfless. Both she and Dad did everything they could while they were young and healthy; life was lived to the fullest. They never missed very much. As the frailties of old age took hold, Mom had to step back, however, she refused to give up her hair appointments; she began getting her hair done at age 16 and continued faithfully for the next 77 years; a feat in itself. She loved dining out; Duane and I took her everywhere. Throughout the years, we all dined out from one end of the city to the other, but her heart and loyalty always remained with Rae & Jerry's (Table 29). Mom left this earth on her own terms; she prided herself at being able to live in her own home right to the end. For years, she fought to remain with us. Even after her severe stroke in January of 2008, to the amazement of all the doctors, she bounced back with a vengeance, however, this last year her bright light was beginning to diminish; there were so many telltale signs, but this final episode was more than she could bare; she had enough. Mom and Granny, if we travelled from one end of the world to the other, we could not have chosen a more perfect Mother or Grandmother than the gift of your beautiful presence that the Good Lord has given to us. We have been so blessed by your unconditional love, support, companionship, stimulating conversations, your wisdom, nurturing, patience and so much laughter. We will love you forever and love you for always. Our hearts are full of beautiful and cherished memories. It is now time to thank so many. Our gratitude to the wonderful nurses (initially) on the 4th Flr. Unit 4 of the Seven Oaks Hospital, as well as the kindly Dr. Goeke and Dr. Dillon, but especially the amazing, compassionate and dedicated nursing staff and aides on the 3rd Flr. Units 1 and 3. God Bless everyone. Thank you to Mom's very favourite family physician Dr. Mark Kristjanson and his delightful colleague Dr. Tunji Fatoye for the years of superb care; also to Mom's loving Podiatrists Dr. Monica Fernando and the charming Dr. Iain Palmer and his joyful assistant Gail Filk. We are so thankful to all our friends for their telephone calls, support, cards and expressions of hope, but there are those angelic spirits who have gone out of their way to bring that special something into our lives, namely, our beautiful compassionate 'rock' Phyllis Trach, the amazing Victor Danyliuk, my most treasured friend Mary Nedecky, the very kindly Dolores Daniels, our favourite Pastor and cherished friend, Father Bohdan (Donnie) Lukie, CSsR for his faithful and cheery visits; you always brought a smile to Mom's face, Mom's wonderful hairstylist Helen Antoniw, the effervescent Harriet Rosenbaum, the comforting Terry Kasian and our sweet friend Irene. Respecting Mom's wishes, a private funeral was held on Wednesday, November 3, 2010 with the wonderful Very Rev. Fr. John A. Melnyk officiating. Mom and Granny will be laid to rest with her dearly beloved husband Steve at Glen Eden Memorial Gardens. Flowers gratefully declined. Extend a charitable gesture of hope to a total stranger or a donation in Helen's memory to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 120 Donald Street, Winnipeg MB R3C 4G2 would be greatly appreciated. "What would we give her hand to clasp, Her patient face to see; To hear her voice, to see her smile, As in the days that used to be. But some sweet day we'll meet again Beyond the toil and strife, And clasp each other's hand once more, In Heaven, that happy life."