Helen Skrypnyk

Helen Katherine Skrypnyk

Due to circumstances beyond the families control, our mother completed her life's journey and went to heaven with family by her side on October 2nd, 2025. 

Helen is predeceased by her husband Walter, her parents and her siblings. She is survived by her children Billy (Charlene), Pat (Andrea), Cindy, Angie, seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

To the world, she was a mother, to us she was the world!

Mom was born in Walkleyburg, Manitoba to Micheal and Mary Chura on February 12, 1939.

Mom graduated from Happy Thought school and continued her lifelong love for education at the Success Community College.

This led to her having careers which included working at Selkirk Lab & X-ray where she met her future husband, the Cooperators Credit Union, and the Department of Agriculture (where she obtained her commissioner of oath(s)). 

Mom and Dad married on October 24, 1959. They raised their four children with the philosophy of hard work reaps reward. 

As children, mom got us involved in Ukrainian dance where she spent many hours cross stitching our outfits. Mom also spearheaded the start of the Red River Squatter’s 4H club, which brought our community together. 

Mom worked full-time and spent many late nights farming, delivering meals to the gang in the fields, checking on the herd during calving season, and milking cows. 

Mom and dad built and ran a successful mixed farming operation. 

Harvesting was a family affair, and mom enjoyed operating the combine, which was her favourite piece of equipment. 

Mom maintained a huge vegetable garden. Every fall there was plenty of produce to store, pickle and giveaway. Her rock garden was her pride and joy.

She could often be seen outside singing while tending her plants and enjoying the sunshine. Music brought her joy.

She loved her piano and taught herself how to play the accordion. She was a long-standing member of the church and the Selkirk community choir. Mom was in the senior Ukrainian dance group and could also be found on any dance floor at every opportunity. 

Mom was an amazing baker, especially known for her cinnamon buns, paska and poppyseed cake. She looked forward to having company and when family or friends stopped by, they would enjoy a cup of tea and some of her delicious baking.

Mom was creative with her camera, always taking the time to get the perfect shot. She believed every moment was an opportunity to capture a memory.

During her retirement, mom was involved in the local municipal history book committee, and also worked at the Saint Andrews Heritage Society. She loved volunteering at the gift shop in the Selkirk Hospital and working at Twice Over. Mom and dad volunteered at the Canada summer games where they loved driving people around to different venues. Mom and dad also managed the Holy Eucharist hall, which they enjoyed.  

Mom had many interests and talents and lived life to the fullest. Her smiles would always brighten up your day. No matter how she was feeling, her first concern was for how you and your family were doing. She loved to sing and enjoyed it even more when you would sing with her. 

The pallbearers will be her grandson’s Calvin, Brian, Adam, Wesley, Jon, and grand son-in-law Dan.

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Please consider making a donation to the Manitoba Alzheimer’s Society, thank you.

Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, October 14 at 11:00 a.m. in the Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Church, Selkirk, MB.

Tributes: www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Helen Skrypnyk, please visit our floral store.