HELEN MARIE SPRATT

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HELEN MARIE SPRATT On October 27, 2014, after a courageous battle with cancer, Helen passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 83. Helen will be deeply missed by her children Mark (Cheryl), Paul (Leah) and David (Rhonda), grandchildren Bryan, Darryl, Ethan and Margaret, sister-in-law Selma, sister-in-law Glady (Nelson and children Dana, Krista (Chris) and Christopher (Bahar)) as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. Helen was predeceased by Pete, her loving husband of 48 years, her parents Peter and Agathe Enns, sister Agatha (Henry) and brothers John (Agnes), Henry (Elizabeth) and Peter. Helen was born on May 28, 1931 in Winnipeg but spent her childhood on the family farm near Arnaud, MB. Being the caboose in the family, with siblings already gone to raise their own families, she took on many responsibilities and the hard work of farm life at a young age. She could even be seen driving at an earlier age than most to help her father who could no longer drive with his failing eyesight. After finishing her schooling, Helen moved to Winnipeg to take on the excitement of the big city. She graduated from Normal School where she studied to become a teacher. Her work life led her to teaching positions in and out of Winnipeg as well as working as a teller in a bank. Helen's love of travel began with her job as a teller in Banff, AB. In the late 50s, Helen joined the Canoe Club to play tennis. She met Pete at a Canoe Club dance and quickly switched her interests to canoeing, going on a number of canoe trips with Pete and the gang. Helen and Pete were married on July 9, 1960. Mom became a homemaker and her interests expanded to baking and sewing. Many t-shirts sewn by Mom were worn by her three sons heading off to school! Mom and Dad had the boys in many sports activities including hockey and soccer but in the end speed swimming became the dominant sport. Poor Mom up at 5:30 a.m., dragging us out of bed to get to swim practice sleeping in the car while she waited for us! Swimming also became a personal interest to her as she proudly passed all the swim levels to keep up with her boys. Another of Helen's loves was the family cottage that she and Pete built in 1958, which is still enjoyed by all today. She could often be found lying on the dock soaking up the rays with a good paperback! Her love of travelling continued as she and Pete went on memorable trips to England and Hawaii, and with the boys to the mountains and Disney World. In retirement, they would switch their travels to Phoenix where they spent time with dear friends. Into her later years, she travelled with Selma to Victoria, BC and took a cruise that led them to the pyramids in Egypt. Mom's last year was a struggle as her health started to fail her and she had to move into a care home. As hard as it was, Mom still enjoyed the company and visits from many of her family, relatives and friends and even formed new close friendships in the care home. A memorial service will be held to celebrate Helen's life on October 31, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at Thomson "In the Park" Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard. We would like to thank all the staff of the Poseidon Care Centre who did a fantastic job of caring for Mom in her time of need. Flowers are gratefully declined. If friends wish, donations in Helen's memory may be sent to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Winnipeg Humane Society. THOMSON "IN THE PARK" 925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 30, 2014