Helen Pacholuk
December 26, 2022
It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of Helen Pacholuk, a beloved wife, mother, sister and daughter on December 22, 2022 at St. Boniface Hospital.
Helen fought a courageous four year battle with cancer and through it all she worried about everyone around her more than herself. She showed great strength and character, protecting everyone from her diagnosis and assuring everyone she didn’t feel sick while preparing us for the day when we would have to go on without her. During this time, the little things in life were greatly appreciated by her as she watched the birds and animals playing in the backyard, listened to the raindrops and watched the sun set and rise.
Typical of her character, Helen made everyone feel special whether she knew you for five minutes or for years. People gravitated to her, so generous was her spirit that everyone she met loved her and wanted to be her best friend. She could always make you laugh instantly and made people feel comfortable around her.
She was a wonderful daughter to her parents Christos and Joanna, always keeping them on their toes but showing them the greatest love a daughter could give. She loved her sister Debbie and always took care of her, protecting and teaching her the ways of the world. She embraced her in laws especially Frank and Hilda, who loved her like the daughter they never had. She took great care to make Gary’s family (Robert, Michael and sister in law Charlene and their children) a significant part of her life, always including them and talking to them as often as possible. When her sister Debbie married, she welcomed Bill with open arms and was quick to befriend all his family. Everyone was always remembered, as she never forgot a birthday or anniversary and celebrated them to their fullest.
She took great pride in her work, graduating from Marvel’s Esthetics School, worked at Giselle’s Spa on Grosevenor then went on to manage Giselle’s Spa on Kensaton, the largest in Western Canada at the time before moving on to manage Sally’s Beauty Supply after her pregnancy. She excelled at these positions, as she valued her clients and staff and commanded everyones respect. Her staff loved her and looked at her as their mother and best friend but knew to always follow her rules.
When she met Gary, she knew she had found in him the love of her life as they began to build their future together. The biggest joy in Helen’s life was her two children, Dimitri, always saying “that’s my boy” and Christina “my princess”. When she had her second child, her sister was pregnant at the same time and when the children were born eleven days apart, Helen treated them like twins and loved her nephew Billy as much as her own children. When her sister’s second son was born, she absolutely adored her nephew Alex, as she could never get enough of him. She was an amazing wife and mother as the roles came so naturally to her. She loved and nurtured her family and brought a loving atmosphere to her house where everyone was always welcomed.
Helen would be there whenever you needed her and even before you asked for help. She was smart and capable and a true leader and protector and did not want anyone to struggle. She was a beautiful person inside and out, kind, generous and caring. She wanted us all to live life to the fullest and the happiest we could and to love each other. We will do our best to honour your wishes. We love you Helen and will miss you dearly.
Funeral service will be held on Thursday, December 29th at 11:00 a.m., at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 2255 Grant Ave, with Rev. Fr. Nikolaos Tambakis presiding. Interment will take place immediately after the service at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home and Cemetery located at 4000 Portage Ave. This will be followed by a reception at the Chapel Lawn Hall where we can all gather to celebrate her life, share memories and embrace Helen and the life she lived.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cancer Care Manitoba in Helens name.
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Helen Pacholuk 2022 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
Voyage Funeral Homes & Crematorium
Death notice for the town of: Winnipeg, Province: Manitoba