HELEN SHEPERTYCKY (MELNYK)

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HELEN SHEPERTYCKY (nee MELNYK) April 15, 1921 - June 6, 2013 It is with great sadness the family announces the peaceful passing of Helen Shepertycky at her home on June 6, 2013. Helen was born April 15, 1921 to Oleksa and Tekla Melnyk in Piddubyna, Terebowlia, Ukraine. She lived and finished her schooling in her local town, but left her home and family during the Second World War to start a new life with her husband Adrian Shepertycky. They were married in 1944, while fleeing the Communist Regime enroute to Slovakia, Austria and Germany. Their dream was always to return back to their homeland and family, but this would never happen. They immigrated to Canada in 1948 and settled in Winnipeg, which became their new home. Once in Canada, Helen worked in the garment industry, first as a seamstress, then as a floor manager at Canada Post and finally the Ukrainian weekly newspaper - Novyj Shliakh. She volunteered her time to various organizations including the Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Women's Division and Plast. Helen was a lifetime parishioner of Sts. Vladimir and Olga Cathedral. She was a great homemaker, excellent cook and seamstress and had a witty, but gentle sense of humour. Helen was a devoted wife for 59 years. Her joy in life was raising her two children - Boris and Martha, who she treasured above all. She taught her children the importance of religion, hard work, honesty and respect of all people. Her grandsons - Gregory, Michael and Taras brought her much joy and happiness and she was truly proud of them. Helen was predeceased by her parents, Tekla and Oleksa; her husband, Adrian; her sisters, Emilia, Stefa, Yaroslava, Orysia and Domicelya, as well as her only brother, Wasyl, who disappeared during the war, never to be located. She is survived by her daughter Martha, son Boris (Luba) and their children - Gregory, Michael and Taras. She is also survived by the Pavzyuk family in Brandon and the Dvorak family in Regina, as well as extended family in Toronto, Minneapolis and Ukraine. In her latter years, Helen suffered from various ailments including macular degeneration and dementia. She would have wanted to relay her most sincere gratitude to all her care-givers. Special thanks is extended to Macaria, Marcie, Sherri and all the Home Care nurses in Point Douglas, the Comforts of Home Staff - Zdenka, Ashley and Maria and Lynne Fineman who helped Helen remain in home till her passing. A sincere thank you is also extended to Dr. Amiya Chakhaborty, who was always attentive to her needs. Most special thanks is extended to Anna Muczij, who for years was not only a care giver, but a true friend, family member and guardian angel. Helen enjoyed her visits, her Ukrainian songs and stories which made her days so pleasant. Prayers will be sung 7:00 p.m., (tonight) Tuesday, June 11, at Korban Funeral Chapel, 907 Main St. Funeral Divine Liturgy will be celebrated 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 12 at Sts. Vladimir and Olga Cathedral, 115 McGregor St. with Rt. Rev. Msgr. Mitrat M. Buyachok officiating.. Interment to follow in All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Helen's name to the Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Centre, 184 Alexander Ave. E., Winnipeg, MB R3B 0L6. CHRYSTOS VOSKRES KORBAN FUNERAL CHAPEL 204-956-2193

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 11, 2013