Helena "Helen" Halwas

On February 24, 2019 at the wonderful age of 97 Helena “Helen” Halwas peacefully passed away with family by her side at home in Airdrie, Alberta.

Helen was born on January 11, 1922 in the Boulton Municipality. Along with her five siblings Helen contributed to Matilda and Michael Ziprick’s family farm. This was the beginning of her strong work ethic and character development which she displayed throughout her life. She attended Free Field School and especially enjoyed art and music. Her faith was nurtured in the Trinity Lutheran Church where she was baptized, confirmed and attended weekly. Helen spent a year working in Winnipeg as a housekeeper before the war ended in 1945. Church and hard work were central to the family life that shaped Helen as a woman of faith, honesty, compassion and determination all of which contributed to the respect everyone held for her.

Helen and Edward Halwas were married on June 09, 1946. Their loving relationship was a model to follow based on trust and respect. Farming became their livelihood and life long passion.  In 1949, they purchased land near Russell, Manitoba and farmed there until 1964 when they moved to High Bluff, Manitoba. Helen was a busy mom as five children came along. She still found time to volunteer, first at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Inglis and then in the High Bluff United Church. She was the Sunday School Secretary for twelve years and a UCW life time member. She contributed to the Russell and Poplar Point Horticultural Societies’ by judging gardens and entering the Fall Flower and Garden Show. She was honoured by the Portage Exhibition with a lifetime membership. How many ribbons did Helen win? Whether for houseplants, floral arrangements, baked goods, preserves, quilts, mittens, socks, or clothes there was a ribbon with Helen’s name on it. The farm flower beds and vegetable gardens were always beautifully and impeccably kept. Although they loved their farm, they made time for memorable trips to visit family and to see different parts of world. Family was everything to Helen. Nothing made her happier than to have the family together for big dinners. Her nine grandchildren and 14 greatgrandchildren were a source of great joy. ‘Handiwork’ was a life time hobby. She worked for hours during the long winters (summer time was the for the garden) tirelessly knitting, crocheting, and tailoring garments and quilts for all family members and friends too. Curling and bowling were Helen’s sports especially during her retirement years. She treasured her weekly games and the friendly competition. She often played lead and would get the guard in the house! She knew ‘being out with people’ was the secret to staying happy and healthy. Helen’s positive attitude and giving nature will be remembered by all who touched her life. A friend forever.

Predeceased by her loving husband of 59 years Edward Halwas; parents Matilda and Michael Ziprick; siblings Clara Honke, John Ziprick, Herbert Ziprick, Norman Cipryk and Willma Saunders; brothers-in-law Fred Honke and Donald Saunders. As well tragically predeceased by her two dear sons Harvey and Gordon. Left to cherish her memory are son Clifford and Barbara Halwas of Defresne MB, grandchildren Clinton, Clayton and Brittany Halwas (Conor Ganly); daughter Carol and Grant Morgan of Airdrie, AB, grandchildren Jan DuMontier, Lynn (Jemahl Zanidean), Samuel (Janell) Morgan; daughter Connie and Michael O’Connor of Langley, BC; daughter-in-law Heather Halwas of Winnipeg, MB, grandchildren Kirk (Karen) Halwas; Andrea (Chad Larsen), Kimberley (Jace Mynott); as well as 14 great grandchildren. She is survived by many nieces, nephews, and sister in laws Emily Bauer of Roblin, MB; Cynthia Halwas, Alvina Halwas and Verna Ziprick all of Russell, MB.

The family would like to thank all the staff at the Bethany Care Airdrie for the tender care mom received while she was there.

Final words to remember from Helen “God is so gracious”.

Funeral Service will take place on Wednesday, March 6, 2019 at 1:30 pm at McKenzie United Church, led by Rev. Kathy Platt.  Family interment will take place at McKenzie Cemetery, High Bluff, MB.

As expressions of sympathy and in lieu of flowers if friends so wish, donations may be made in Helen’s memory to High Bluff Cemetery Association, Box 44, High Bluff, MB, ROH OKO.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  204-857-4021 www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com