HELGA LILLIAN MCDONALD

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HELGA LILLIAN MCDONALD December 18, 1924 December 8, 2016 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Mother and Grandma, on December 8, 2016, at the age of 91. Surrounded by her family, Helga peacefully entered into the loving arms of Jesus and her husband, Victor, who predeceased her in June of 2011. Left to cherish her memory are her three daughters, Geri McDonald (Ellis Shippam), Esther Ann Boutin and Denise Mlodzinski (Ken); her nine grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, Todd Davies, Justin, Christian and Kyla; Kent Davies; Casey Davies, Alexandra and Samantha; Georgi Ann Wiens (Ivo), Lovissa and Estelle; Gyula Vandor (Lelia), Jessyca and Jordan; Cindy King (Trevor), Jared, Maddie and Harrison; Lovita Penner (Thomas), Myla and Titus; Adam Mlodzinski (Jacquie), Timothy and James; and Renise Mlodzinski. Also, left to miss her is her sister Gwen Popowich and brothers, Billy, Jon (Bonnie), Victor and Peter (Luella) Bell, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Born on December 18, 1924, Helga was the second oldest daughter of Ernest and Lovisa Bell. She is predeceased by her parents, two sisters, (Sigga and Margaret); four brothers, (Hannes, Oli, Kristin and Eggert); and grandson (Marc Boutin). Helga was the third surviving child of 14 raised on Hecla Island. At a very young age, Helga developed a strong and capable work-ethic through extremely difficult conditions and in caring for her younger siblings. She was devoted to her family and demonstrated an immeasurable loyalty to those who were entrusted to her. After leaving the island for Selkirk at the age of 17, she worked as a waitress at Cal's Coffee Shop, where she met the love of her life Victor whom she married on June 3, 1944. In mid 1945, she became a full-time homemaker while raising her family and, along with Victor, created a warm and loving environment for her three daughters. During these years, she honed her inherent talents for baking, cooking, sewing, painting, decorating, gardening and care-giving. She could do anything she put her mind to, sometimes needing a little help from her husband. Spending time with her brothers and sisters playing music, singing and dancing, was one of the greatest joys of her life. She also received incredible fulfilment from serving as a nurse's aide for 15 years at the Selkirk General Hospital. With her usual hands-on approach, her devotion to her family continued onto her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. After Dad's passing, Mom's health started to decline, showing signs of dementia. This resulted in almost four years in a personal care facility, after family was no longer able to care for her needs at home. Our lives and many others have been profoundly touched by this incredible woman, right until the very end of her life. We would like to thank the dedicated staff and caregivers at The Betel for their love and devotion to our Mom. Their kindness and compassionate care spilled over onto us during this difficult time. We will be forever grateful. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Helga's name may be made to The Selkirk Betel Home Foundation Entertainment Program (212 Manchester Avenue, Selkirk, MB R1A 0B6) to help put a smile on another resident's face. A service celebrating her life will be held at Good Shepherd Church, Selkirk, MB (just south of the Rolling Mills) on Sunday, December 18 at 2:30 p.m. Thank you to Gilbart Funeral Home and John Dent for their prompt and personal attention given to us at this time. Private interment at Cloverdale Cemetery will take place at a later date. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com
Publish Date: Dec 14, 2016

HELGA LILLIAN MCDONALD Peacefully with family by her side, on Thursday, December 8, 2016, at the Betel Home, Selkirk, Helga McDonald, aged 91 years, of Selkirk, MB, beloved wife of the late Victor, passed away. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, December 18, 2016 at 2:30 p.m. in the Good Shepherd Church, Selkirk, MB (South of the Rolling Mills) with Pastor Justin Majeau officiating. Full obituary to follow in Wednesday's edition of the Free Press. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.
Publish Date: Dec 10, 2016

HELGA LILLIAN MCDONALD Peacefully, with family by her side, on Thursday, December 8, 2016, at the Betel Home, Selkirk, Helga McDonald, aged 91 years, of Selkirk, MB, beloved wife of the late Victor, passed away. Full obituary to follow. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

Publish Date: Dec 9, 2016

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 14, 2016