HELEN GIGUERE

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

HELEN GIGUERE Peacefully in her 100th year, surrounded by her family, Helen (Nelly) McKenzie Giguere passed away January 24, 2018 following a short illness. She leaves to mourn her four children: Dennis (Jean), Ralph (Marnie), Shirley Hunter and Robert (Shirley), grandchildren: Jeanine, Jeremy, Rejan, Cassandre, Margaux, Dean, Scott, Amy, Nicole, Emma and Andrew, great-grandchildren: Kendra, Mitchell, Aidan, Alessandra, Isla, Elin and Norman. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Rene, of 55 years in 1996, her youngest daughter Dianne O'Rourke in 1984, her parents James and Jeannie Fenton, and her older brothers James and Harold Fenton. Helen was known to some of her oldest friends as Nel or Nelly. She was the only daughter of a proud Scottish family, born at their home on Centennial Street on June 16, 1918. She attended Lipton and Daniel Mac schools and Success Business College where she made several lifelong friends. In her youth she was a Scottish Highland dancer of some renown, a talent she delighted her family with from time to time over the years upon "special request". In 1937 a friend took her to Stevenson Field (site of the Winnipeg International Airport) and arranged her first airplane ride in an open cockpit Curtiss Reid Rambler flown by her future husband, aviation pioneer Rene Giguere. Little did she know at the time, Aviation was to become a constant throughout her life. Helen gave up her position in the insurance business when they were married in 1941. While Rene flew, Helen ran the family homes on Hill Street, Elm Street and finally Hosmer Boulevard raising their five children, with love and support through thick and thin. Rene and family were always her highest priority. From 1949 onward, summers were spent at Clearwater Bay creating treasured family memories. She loved her times at the Winnipeg Winter Club curling with close friends in the Ladies League. Following Rene's retirement, for several winters, they welcomed family and friends at their home in Port Charlotte, FL. Helen showed tremendous courage and strength, and provided devoted, loving care for her youngest daughter Dianne during her illness, and later during Rene's prolonged illness. Throughout her life Helen was always healthy and active. At 80 she started with her first computer that kept her connected to family, near and far. Over the years she upgraded several times, especially the printers to ensure the best quality for family photos. More recently, to her great delight she adopted the use of an IPad and FaceTime. Her Irish Setters, Shannon (#1 and #2) were always a source of fun and companionship. Her greatest joys however, were always her times sharing and visiting with her family: children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was equally proud of each and every one of her family for their many accomplishments. Although selfless with her time and energy for her family, she also volunteered whenever there was a need; St. Ignatius Church where she was married, St. John Brebeuf the family parish, The Convent of the Sacred Heart and St. Paul's High School where her children attended. Following Rene's passing she volunteered at Deer Lodge Hospital for over 15 years - often being the oldest on the ward. To say Helen was an elegant lady would be an understatement. She will be remembered for her beautiful smile, her generosity and kindness to all who knew her. She lived proudly and independently in her family home of 62 years until her 99th birthday when she reluctantly moved to the Shaftesbury Park. A special thank you to Julie Siminig who assisted Helen in her home with care and friendship for many years. Our thanks to the team at the Shaftesbury for welcoming her and also the knowledgeable and compassionate staff at Grace Hospital, who comforted Mom in her final few days. To Mom, Nana, Granny, you worked tirelessly all your life. You supported Dad in every way while both of you ensured we knew the importance of family and education. We were always given every opportunity. You were a constant and loving strength to all of us. For this and more we thank you, we love you, and we will remember and miss you forever. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Helen Giguere's memory to the Dianne Giguere O'Rourke Fund at The Winnipeg Foundation, 1350 One Lombard Place, Winnipeg, MB R3B 0X3. Tel. 204-944-9474 or online at www.wpgfdn.org. Her life will be celebrated at a Mass of the Christian Burial at St. John Brebeuf Church, 1707 John Brebeuf Place on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at 11:00 a.m., followed by a reception in the church hall. E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 204-253-5086 e.j.coutu.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 26, 2018