Obituary of HELEN PACZYNSKI

HELEN MARY PACZYNSKI Peacefully on February 1, 2016, Helen passed away at Kildonan Personal Care Centre with family by her side. She was predeceased by parents Kathleen Shrutwa (1971) and John Shrutwa (1978), husband Edward (1987), and sister Jenny McGrath (2009). Helen was born November 4, 1931 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and was raised in Winnipeg's North End attending Luxton School and St. John's High School. She married Edward on May 6, 1950 at the height of the Red River flood. They shared the ups and downs of their journey together for over 35 years. Helen was devoted to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was always concerned that every visitor to her home had enough to eat. Over the years, she knitted countless sweaters, mittens, scarves and slippers. She loved all animals, especially a small brown terrier named Killer and Oliver the cat. She was a member of the Holy Ghost Fraternal Aid Society for over 40 years, serving on the executive many of those years, as well as organizing the children’s Christmas parties, and running the club bingos until a few years ago. Carrying on Helen’s legacy of love are her Children: MaryAnn Stewart and husband Jim, Ed Paczynski and wife Jean, Cathy Emile, Cindy Zebinski and husband Don, and Elizabeth Thomson and husband Eric; her Grandchildren: Keeley Stewart and husband Arthur Pearson, Darcy Stewart Buhlin and husband Chad Buhlin, Kady Emile, Tanner Emile and partner Ellisse Arnason, Vanessa Zebinski and husband Craig Keeler, Sarah Zebinski, Jessica Careme and husband Josh Careme, Madison Thomson and Nick Bater, and Adam Thomson; and her Great Grandchildren: Kaliyah and Justin Dixon, Matthew and Elyse Keeler, Alexander Los, and Emmett Buhlin. Also surviving Helen are her sister Diane Unrau of Calgary, sister-in-law Christine McKee of Michigan, and many nieces and nephews in Canada and the United States. The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Kildonan Personal Care Centre, especially the nurses and health care aides on the third floor, whom Mom came to know since moving there in August 2014, and who cared for her with great compassion and kindness during her final weeks. Helen asked that the following verse be included in this message. FOR MY 5 When I must leave you for a little while, Please do not grieve and shed wild tears And hug your sorrow to you through the years, But start out bravely with a gallant smile; And for my sake and in my name Live on and do all things the same, Feed not your loneliness on empty days, But fill each waking hour in useful ways, Reach out your hand in comfort and cheer And I in turn will comfort you and hold you near; And never, never be afraid to die, For I am waiting for you in the sky! - MOM Please join the family for a Celebration of Helen’s Life on Friday, February 5, 2016, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Holy Ghost Fraternal Aid Society, 1230 Main Street.