Obituary of HELEN OLCHOWECKI

Helen Olchowecki

February 18, 1927 – May 30, 2018

    We are saddened to announce Helen’s passing late Wednesday evening May 30 at Holy Family Home in Winnipeg.  She was 91 and passed peacefully after a brief period of acute illness.

   Helen was born in Canora, Saskatchewan and raised on the family farm in the Tadmore area, the eldest of six children born to Michael and Nellie Marchinko (Fulawka).  As a young woman, Helen started her life in Winnipeg and married Walter Olchowecki in 1952.  They had two children, Marnie and Ronald.  Although Helen held several part-time jobs, mainly in the catering business, she was a dedicated mother and homemaker, who loved gardening, cooking and baking. She also cared for her own mother, Nellie, who came to live with her when she could no longer live on her own in Tadmore.  When Nellie was eventually admitted to St. Joseph’s care home in the later months of her life, Helen stayed on for several more years as a volunteer, caring for the residents.  She was a very sociable person, with numerous friends, who touched everyone she knew with her generosity and kindness.  She was also strong, resourceful and fiercely independent, living on her own in her home until illness interfered with her resolve in November of 2017.  Our family is extremely grateful to Sr. Darlene Pelechaty of Holy Family Home, who with her wonderful care team on the 4^th floor St Joseph’s unit welcomed Helen into their community and helped her feel comfortable in her new living circumstances.

    Helen was predeceased by her parents Mike and Nellie, her sister Lucy (Paul), brother Larry (Shirley), brother Stan (Alice) and husband Walter.  She is survived by her son Ron (Shari Wolfson) and brother Ed (Barb) of Winnipeg, her daughter Marnie Olchowecki (Leonard Butt) and her grandson Isaac (Taylor) of Victoria, her granddaughter Eila (Vancouver) and her brother Bernie (Julie) of Sydney, Australia. She also leaves behind several nieces, nephews and cousins with whom she liked to keep in touch. 

    A Funeral Service will be held at 1 pm Tuesday June 5, 2018 at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street, officiated by a Basilian Father from St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Helen Olchowecki to the Holy Family Home – Life Love Legacy Capital Campaign c/o the Lubov Foundation.  Online donations can be made at http:www.lubovfoundation.ca/lifelovelegacy/.

Vichnaya Pamyat 

(Everlasting Memory)