Obituary of HELEN BORKOWSKI (STEFAK)

HELEN BORKOWSKI (STEFAK)

(June 27, 1917 - December 4, 2020)

It is with sad hearts that we announce that our Mom, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother and friend went to live with the Angels on Friday, December 4, 2020. 

Burial has taken place at Holy Family Cemetery with a memorial service to be held at a later date.

Mom lived to a wonderful age of 103 1/2.  She was born on June 27, 1917 in Stonewall, Manitoba. She married Charles in 1939 and then resided in Winnipeg for the rest of her life. 

Mom was a very hard worker. Her first job was cleaning houses for other people and then she spent many years in the catering field which she loved.  She always took great pride in the cleanliness of her own house by washing the drapes annually and vacuuming behind the couch weekly even when she was well into her nineties.  She was a social butterfly and loved to tell stories and jokes to all who would listen. She loved to ride the bus either to work or just because she wanted to get out. She would talk to all the riders and later reward the bus driver with candies, but only if the drivers were nice to the riders.  The bus drivers soon learned to be on their best behaviour when Mom was on their bus.

One of her greatest goals and achievements was to make sure everyone had something to eat as her children and grandchildren can attest to.  Baba's borscht, perogies, holopchi and chicken noodle soup will be missed by all.

Helen is survived by her son Barry (Ginny), grandchildren and great grandchildren Doug (Diane, Kristie, Martin), Mark (Robin, Chelsea, Travis), Shelley (Tara, Colton),  Sean (Kristen, Drew), Kelly (Liam), Dan (Alyssa, Nathan) and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her mother Sophia, father Fred, husband Charles, daughters Diane & Janette, grandson Murray, siblings Nick, Joe, John, Mary, Ann, Doris, Kay, Rose, Pearl and Eilleen

We would like to thank all the staff at Holy Family Nursing Home who  helped care for Mom during the short time she resided there.   We would especially like to thank Magda at Holy Family Nursing Home for her kindness and compassion and for taking the time to be with Mom in her final days.  Although we could not be with her due to the pandemic lockdown the video conversations that Magda held with us gladdened our hearts.

Thank you also to Father Zach from St. Nicholas Church and to Cropo Funeral Home for all your guidance.

Mom/Baba took great joy in telling stories and jokes to put a smile on our faces.  One of her favorite sayings was “I love you little, I love you big, I love you like a little pig"

Right back at you Mom and Baba.  Rest in Peace