Obituary of Helen ZAKALUZNY

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. Helen passed away peacefully at the Father Lacombe Care Center in Calgary, Alberta on Wednesday, November 14, 2012, at the age of 93. Helen was born in the Gooding District in Saskatchewan and was one of 10 children born to Agnes and Anton Krauczyk. She was predeceased by John, her loving husband of 64 years, her parents, and all of her 9 brothers and sisters. She is survived by her son Murray (Pat), son Donald (Wendy), daughter Theresa (Roland), daughter Carolyn (Dave), and son Michael (Anne); grandchildren Nadine (Derrick), Colleen (Cameron), Tanya (Rob), Kent, Kathleen (Craig), Nicoline, Matthew, and Kelsey; great-grandchildren Dorian, Kirsten, Peyton, Nikolas, Luke, Thomas, Jaxon and Kole. Helen was a gentle and patient lady with a giving and caring heart. The first 90 years of her life were spent living on a farm and that was the best part of her life. She loved everything about the farm…the pace of life, the garden, seeing the harvest come in, the peaceful nature. She also enjoyed playing cards and having friends and family drop in for coffee and fabulous meals. The farm home was our family’s gathering place for all occasions. Helen had a deep commitment to her faith and the church, and spent many hours praying her rosary. She participated in many of the Worlds Day of Prayer services within her community. She also contributed many hours of work dedicated to compiling the Whispering Winds history book for the Glen Bain Community. Helen showed great pride and interest in the accomplishments of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and always encouraged them to do their best. She also loved having visits from nieces and nephews, kept sweet treats in her drawer for them, and they always left a smile on her face. The challenges in her life were met and overcome with strength and dignity. Her concern was always for others, a characteristic that we all hope to carry on for her. Her warm smile and eyes conveyed the honesty and love that was ever present in her heart right up to the end. Helen’s family and friends will miss her kind heart and warm spirit. God grant her eternal peace. Prayers were held on Sunday, November 18, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. and Funeral Mass on Monday, November 19, 2012, at 10:00 a.m., both at St. Peter and St. Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, Glen Bain district, SK. Celebrant was Father Yurij Lazurko. The eulogy was shared by Michael Zakaluzny. Honorary pallbearers were Alma Lech, Steve Semesock, Annie Smuk, Johnny Smuk, Bronnie Huska and Helen Luciak. Active pallbearers were Nadine Helgason, Kathleen German, Nicoline Zakaluzny, Matthew Zakaluzny, Kelsey Sclanders and Terry Krauchek. Interment took place at St. Peter and St. Paul Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery. Memorial donations in memory of Helen to St. Peter and St. Paul Cemetery Fund, c/o Dennis Zakaluzny, Box 31, Glen Bain, SK S0N 0X0, were greatly appreciated.