Helen Kolynchuk

(née Hunka)

October 9, 1925 - January 7, 2018

Peacefully on January 7, 2018 Helen left this life to join her beloved husband John.

She will be sadly missed by her son Henry (Connie); grandchildren Jeff (Lindsay), Kristen (Clay), Ryan , Bradley and Janessa; great-grandchildren Carsten, Justice, Avery, Hudson and Lincoln. She is also survived by her sister Anne and sister-in-law Violet; as well as many relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her husband John; daughter Valerie; great-granddaughter Ainsley; sisters Mary and Barbara; step-brothers Bill, Peter, Paul and John; step-sisters Olga, Phyllis and Mary.

Helen was born and raised in Trentham, MB - daughter to Kyrylo and Anna Hunka. She grew up, found work in Winnipeg, married and built a wonderful life with her family in the Kirkness area. They were members of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church in Gonor.

Baba, as she was affectionately called by family and friends alike, treated everyone as her own. She made sure everyone was well fed and well loved. She was a busy farm wife and was very involved with the potato business. Yet she still managed to keep a beautiful yard with flowers and a huge vegetable garden. Dad was the perfect mate for her as he spent countless hours sitting on a bench at the mall waiting while she indulged in one of her favorite activities- shopping. She enjoyed traveling and always encouraged us to go. “ Go while you are young”. Her winters were spent using her talents for sewing and making enough of whatever crafts were the rage at the time so that no one ever left her house empty handed.  Making peroshkie with her “secret” recipe was an art form and we all loved them. When the grandkids visited there wasn’t just one dessert, but several more tucked away. Nothing was too much trouble. Many hours were spent with family playing cards and tile rummy. She lived at the Knight’s Centre for 15 years. Very frequently she was up at 5AM baking “goodies” to treat her friends later at morning coffee. She truly had a kind and generous spirit and was a fine example to those who knew her. She was the “puzzle queen” and it was her favorite past time in recent years.

Our family wishes to thank all those responsible for Mom continuing to live such a happy and fulfilling life - even for the last few of her 92 years. Namely, Dr. Speer, the Homecare nurses & aides who tended her while she lived alone at the Knights Centre- couldn’t have done it without you. To all the Tudor House staff there are no words to say how we appreciated the kindness and caring you showed right to the end. A BIG thank you. 

A funeral service will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, January 12th at Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk, MB . Interment to follow at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church, Gonor, MB.

If so desired donations may be made in Helen’s memory to the charity of their choice.

Our Baba——sadly missed - greatly loved- forever remembered

Condolences may be left at www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

 Service Information