HELEN CATHERINE MACIALEK

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HELEN CATHERINE MACIALEK

(DENBOW)

It is with deep sadness that the family announces the sudden passing of our wife, mother, grandmother (Ma), sister, and aunty, Helen Catherine Macialek (Denbow) at the age of 87.

Helen was born in Brandon, Manitoba on July 17, 1939 to Jack and Florence Denbow. She was the middle child with an older sister Donna (Ballance) and younger brother Bob (Denbow) both whom she loved dearly. Her brother Bob passed away last spring and she was fortunate enough to make the trip out to Victoria, BC to honour him and see family and friends. That trip meant the world to her.

Helen met the love of her life Ted Macialek when she was 17 years old. Ted caught her attention driving down Victoria Avenue in his Dad’s fancy Buick. He asked her if she wanted a ride and she said no thanks. The story is he got free tickets and invited her to a wrestling match. She agreed and the rest is history. They married on February 20, 1960 and shortly thereafter had three children. Lynn, Lori and seven years later Shane. After having two girls, Helen was determined she was having a boy and she got that boy !! And boy did we all love him.

Mom was a real homebody. She loved to read and bake. Her Xmas dainties were delicious. Her children meant everything to her. She was sooo proud of all our accomplishments but more so she was proud of the people we became. She was the kindest most loving mother and grandmother. Her grandchildren affectionately referred to her as ‘Ma’ and that nickname has stuck to this day. She loved her grandchildren so much. Danna, Alanna, Britany and Keith. She was always eager to babysit and help out. She walked the kids to St. Augustine School everyday four times a day. Dad (Pa) had lunch ready for them and then she walked them back. She always attended all their sports games and encouraged them in everything they wanted to pursue. She never showed judgement. Just love.

Mom wasn’t afraid of work. Early on she worked at the law office of Meighen and Haddad and then the Western Medical Clinic for 20 years. She then worked with Ted in their catering business, Shamrock Catering, for over 30 years. She was frequently found pinching perogies, peeling potatoes or shelling eggs. Funny thing was she didn’t like to cook but she was always helping Ted with the catering jobs. They were a well oiled team !!

Ted and Helen have a beautiful cabin at Turtle Lodge Pelican Lake where they spent over 60 years enjoying the lake and cabin with family and life long friends, the Cliffe Family.

Helen was predeceased by her parents, Jack and Florence Denbow (nee Hunter); her younger brother Robert (Bob) Denbow; brother-in-law Barry Ballance; her in-laws, Tony and Margaret Macialek; her brother-in-law Louis Macialek and her beautiful granddaughter Britany Kaskiw.

Helen is survived by her loving and faithful husband Ted of 66 years; her sister Donna Ballance of New West Minister, BC; her daughter Lynn (Brian) Rudniski, granddaughters, Danna (Darren) Creighton and Alanna (Tim Gregoire) Rudniski; daughter Lori (Wayne) Kaskiw, granddaughter Britany Kaskiw; son Shane (Cathy) Macialek, grandson Keith (Riley) Nicholls and many nephews and nieces.

Mom was a soft spoken kind woman. In earlier years she cared for her mom in the Lawson Lodge where she would take the grandkids daily for coffee and cookies.

Over the years Mom had many serious health issues. She fought and beat colon cancer, a brain bleed, and multiple strokes. She was small in stature, 4’ 11 and 3/4 inches, but mighty in strength.

As per Helen’s request there will be no funeral.

We thank the very professional paramedics and police on scene who valiantly tried to save her. Thank you to Memories Staff for their guidance and services.

In lieu of flowers and if you feel so inclined, please consider donating to Westman Dreams for Kids, Brandon.

Tributes: www.memorieschapel.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Oct 24, 2026