HELEN MOUREEN WARBURTON

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HELEN MOUREEN WARBURTON

July 4, 1935 - July 16, 2026

Helen, our beloved Mom, Grandma and Great Grandma left this world peacefully and surrounded by love on July 16, 2026, at the Brandon Regional Health Centre following a brief illness.

Mom was born to Alex and Ida Arthur on July 4, 1935, in Boissevain, Manitoba. She was the second of four children and grew up on farms in the Ninga area and later Boissevain. Times were hard in the early years, and Mom would often accompany Grandma on her quest to catch gophers as there was a bounty on their tails. In 1942 the family moved to a farm south of Brandon and Mom’s life revolved around a dairy farm that Grandpa managed. Mom received her education at a variety of country schools and when it was time for high school she moved into Brandon and lived with her Aunt Nell and Uncle Les, graduating in 1953. Following graduation, Mom worked as a bank teller at the Royal Bank until she was swept off her feet by the love of her life, our Dad, Fred Warburton. After a whirlwind courtship, Mom and Dad were married in Brandon, on June 2, 1956.

At the time of their marriage, Dad was enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy and so they began their adventures as a married couple on the west coast. When Dad left the navy (1959), they headed home to Brandon with 2 children in tow. Kim (1957) and Lynne (1958) were born in Victoria. There were many moves throughout the years with Dad’s jobs. Mom was a hard worker and kept busy raising the children and keeping our home in order. Wendy was born in Russell (1960) followed by Shane in Hamiota (1962). Mom had many talents that she honed over her years as an incredible domestic engineer – she was a genius in the kitchen and could make delicious meals from virtually nothing. Mom was a wonderful baker, loved to knit, and her cross stitch and petit point projects were beautiful. She took up refinishing furniture for a few years and many of those pieces continue to be enjoyed by family. Mom loved to garden and pickling and canning were favorite fall tasks. In 1978, Mom and Dad purchased and moved to the George Stamp farm at Carroll. Mom enjoyed the Carroll community and all the activities that came with a small farming community, especially the Carroll dances - Mom loved to dance! She was a great assistant to Dad on the farm with her common sense and practical approach and it wasn’t long before she became the main truck driver during harvest. Her favorite job though, was to operate the self-propelled baler around the flax, hay and straw fields, baling thousands of bales over the years that Kim picked and stacked.

Mom and Dad retired from the farm to Brandon in 1998, moving first to Canada Crescent and then eventually settling into Lion’s Manor in 2011. Mom once again, embraced the moves, creating a warm and inviting home and atmosphere wherever she lived. She made new friends, volunteered at Prairie Oasis, joined the Wheat City lawn bowling league, enjoyed the luxuries of living in the city and lived life to the fullest.

Mom and Dad spent several winters soaking up the sun in Texas and enjoyed a couple of destination vacations. Although Mom liked getting away, home is where she preferred to be.

Mom was passionate about her family. Her children, her grands and her greats meant the world to her and she meant the world to all of us. Mom was always excited and happy to visit, chat on the phone or text and hear about the adventures and shenanigans of the kids, young and old! She was our biggest cheerleader and fan. Mom was a gem. She was the best listener, always gracious, accepting and she never judged. She was quick to forgive but she never forgot. If you were visiting, there would for sure be a card game or a crib game getting underway. She taught many of us numerous games and there were often funny hats to wear and a variety of hand gestures used. Mom was an avid bridge player and enjoyed friendly competition, playing with several different groups through the years. Her favorite bridge group was perhaps her Aunt Nell and dear friend Ella Sutherland. There were always giggles and laughter when that trio got together and whoever the fourth player was, had no choice but to join in.

Mom loved to celebrate all of the special milestones and holidays - birthdays, graduations, engagements, weddings, anniversaries, the arrival of her grands and her greats and the list goes on. You name it and Mom was always ready to share a good time. She especially enjoyed Thanksgiving and Christmas. The love, the laughter, the food and the chaos!

Mom was a true Blue Jays fan – she was loyal to the Jays no matter what and would often wear her jersey and hat in support of her favorite team. She followed hockey and curling, cheering for the Wheat Kings, the Flyers and of course Brad Gushue! If you asked Mom who her favorite player was in any sport or activity, her answer was always – “whoever I’m related to”, meaning of course, her grands or her greats.

Mom was predeceased by her parents, her siblings, her husband of 70 years, Fred (June 8, 2026) and her grandson Khody in infancy. She is survived by her children, Kim (Sheree), Lynne (Ron) Gallant, Wendy (Ron) Hiebert, Shane (Diane), 12 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Mom lived a full and beautiful life. She will be remembered for her warm, genuine smile, her quiet elegance, her gentle strength, her spiciness and spunk, her quick wit and unforgettable one liners and above all, her unwavering love for her family and friends. She will be forever loved, deeply cherished and forever missed by all of us.

A Celebration of Mom’s Life will be held at Memories Chapel, 330 18th Street North, Brandon on Friday, August 7, 2026, at 2 p.m., with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to Westman Dreams for Kids, 404 18th Street North, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 7P3, or to a charity of your choice is appreciated.

Rest in peace, Mom

Condolences: www.memorieschapel.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Aug 01, 2026