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HELEN SOLVEIG SUTHERLAND (STEPHANSON)
Born: Jan 19, 1936
Date of Passing: Jan 29, 2016
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryHELEN SOLVEIG SUTHERLAND (STEPHANSON) January 19, 1936 - January 29, 2016 Peacefully, surrounded by her family at home, Helen was swept away to heaven by her angels. Left to cherish her memory are her loving husband Wayne, of 57 years; daughter Kelly and husband Larry, (Tara, Landon, Breanne); sons Scott, (Megan, Katelyn), Paul, partner Shelley (Alexis, Jimmy, Jodie), and Reed, (MacKenzie); daughter-in-law Brenda, (Madison and Brandon) and eight great-grandchildren who stole Amma's heart. She was blessed to have a special bond with her siblings Dianne Frost, Lorraine Fotheringham (Al), and Jack Stephanson (Brenda). She also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, and many dear relatives and friends. To greet her with her angel wings are her parents Steve and Jonina Stephanson, her son Parker, and brothers-in-law Ray Frost and Ken Sutherland. Her courtship with Wayne began at an innocent dance in 1957. A year and a half later they danced into marriage and for 57 years, loved each other unconditionally, raised five children, laughed and played, and always invested time for each other. She was extremely proud of her Icelandic heritage and was quick to share stories of relatives and the Icelandic spirit. Vinarterta, rullupylsa, ponnukokur, and hardfiskur were coveted Icelandic treats. The family always enjoyed her signature dish - pickerel fish fry. She treasured her two trips to Iceland and tracing her heritage to the farm where her grandfather emigrated from was a special moment in her life. Helen had an adventurous soul and she and Wayne loved to travel. They traveled across Canada, the United States, Mexico, Caribbean and Europe. Walking barefoot on a beach while searching for seashells or driftwood was her happy place. Closer to home, she enjoyed time at Lake Winnipeg, whether relaxing at the cabin, in Gimli or on a boat. After graduating from Selkirk High School she furthered her skills as a secretary. During school she worked at the local theatre, helped prepare books for her father's fishing business and landed her first full time job as a data entry clerk at Vital Statistics, clerk for the Town of Selkirk, and then as an employment clerk at Manpower. Helen had an entrepreneurial spirit and in 1976, along with her sister Dianne, purchased Packer's Ladies' Wear in Selkirk. Considering they had limited business experience, they had enough savvy, confidence and work ethic to operate a successful business for 27 years. They were nominated in 2003 for the Lifetime Achievement Award for the Women's Business Owners of Manitoba. Helen was an active volunteer in the community. A strong member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, she loved to sing in the church choir and enjoyed being involved and making change as an influencing member on the Church Council. She sat on the Betel Home Foundation Board of Directors for over 20 years, was a member of the Selkirk Chamber of Commerce and Selkirk parade organizer. She enjoyed several hobbies. As an avid gardener, she transposed their backyard into an exceptional array of colourful flowers and plants. A visit to Amma's often meant a lesson on horticulture and deadheading flowers. She enjoyed the weekly golf game with the "the girls", and liked relaxing with a good novel or crossword puzzle. By far, her greatest passion was her family and she dedicated herself to creating memories. Countless hours were spent at dance or piano recitals, volleyball courts, swimming pools or hockey arenas. Watching a production at Rainbow Stage was an anticipated annual ritual with her granddaughters. Sequence games, cards or cribbage were not only fun, they were learning experiences for the grandchildren. Her family would like to thank the community for the out-pouring of support shown to Helen and her family during her illness. Special thanks to CancerCare Manitoba, Dr. Randunne and Melanie, Palliative Care Nurse Specialist, for their compassion and care. A celebration of Helen's life will be held on Friday, February 5 at 1:00 p.m. at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 106 Sawchuk Dr., Selkirk, Manitoba. In lieu of flowers, and in keeping with Helen's wishes, donations may be made to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Selkirk - PI Fund, PO Box 65, Selkirk, MB R1A 2B1, or the Selkirk and District Community Foundation, 200 Eaton Ave., Selkirk, MB R1A 0W6 or on-line through endowmanitoba.ca. These gifts will be designated to the SDCF's Marine Museum of Manitoba (Selkirk) Agency Fund. Goda nott elskan min. (Good night my love) Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 02, 2016
Condolences & Memories (14 entries)
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Sincere sympathies from Catherine Waytiuk and Carole Forbister families. Mom remembers the good times with Harry and Wayne and family - Posted by: Carole Forbister (Friend) on: Feb 23, 2016
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We have all lost a Wonderful Friend !!!!!! Helen was one of a Kind. Once you met her you wanted to know her and her family. I am honoured that she touched my life as a friend and in the Business community.The memories i cherish of Helen, puts a smile in my heart. Wayne and family u are in my thoughts at this difficult time with sympathy from the depths of my heart. Love u all take care and God Bless. Big Hugs to all. Heather Unik- and family. - Posted by: Heather Unik (Friend) on: Feb 06, 2016
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Thinking of you, Wayne and family, at this time of loss .We are so very sorry. Our community has lost a vibrant and caring member. - Posted by: Laurel and Rob Sarginson (friends) on: Feb 06, 2016
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There are no words to describe the sorrow of having a mother pass, My heart hurts for you all...Mrs. Sutherland (Helen) was the epitome of Customer Service and made everyone welcome when attending the store. Although she is now resting, quietly and peaceful in Jesus' presence, I pray in time, after the sorrow, you all will have peace as well. - Posted by: Yvonne Poirier (Customer) on: Feb 05, 2016
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Our deepest sympathy for your loss. My wife Gail always enjoyed visiting Helen while shopping at Packers any time that we visited Selkirk. - Posted by: Oliver and Gail Nordal (Cousin) on: Feb 04, 2016
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With sincere sympathy to all the family. Helen was a most wonderful person, loved by all, and will truly be missed. May your wonderful memories help all through this time of sorrow. Blessings and our prayers. Bill and Gail Bodman - Posted by: Bill and Gail BodmN (Friends) on: Feb 03, 2016
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My deepest condolences to Wayne and families. We have lost an amazing lady. Helen was a true lady in every sense of the word. I'll cherish all those special memories. - Posted by: Maria Bear (friend) on: Feb 03, 2016
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Our sincere condolences to the entire Sutherland Family. Helen was a lovely lady. We pray that God will give all of you the strength you need to get through your loss. - Posted by: Roy and Carol Whawell (Friends) on: Feb 03, 2016
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Wayne and family, our deepest condolences on the passing of one great lady. Helen was a life time family friend who was always a fun loving, compassionate, caring person. Our hearts and thoughts go out to all of you in your time of grieving. Love Berry, Pat and family. - Posted by: Berry & Pat Grant (Friend) on: Feb 02, 2016
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Sorry to hear about your loss. What a lovely person. We enjoyed our chats when we would run into each other. Sincere sympathy to the family. - Posted by: Mickey /Pat wur (Friends) on: Feb 02, 2016
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Wayne and Helen's entire family. Our deepest sympathy and prayerful thoughts to all of you. May the memory of her fruitful life sustain you all during this trying time. Love and prayers. - Posted by: Ag & Wally Budy (Friend) on: Feb 02, 2016
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Wayne, Kelly and Reed, My sympathy at his time of your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you. - Posted by: Al Compton (Friend) on: Feb 02, 2016
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Many fond memories to cherish! My Dad got to know Wayne and Helen very well during their many LSSD meetings and other functions. To be with Wayne and Helen was always a delight, to share in their company. Also Dad remembers my Mom's "Many" visits to Packers Ladies Wear, where surely Mom would come home with a shopping bag (or two). Mom always looked so beautiful in the clothes she purchased at Packers with the help of her friend, Helen. Also my sister Bev (Nicol) loved to be a model for Packers (her favorite store) at the many Kinette Fashion shows that were held in Selkirk. Packers always (and continues to) help out whatever cause the community has. I am sure my Mom (Lil) and my sister Bev came with the other Angels to welcome their friend Helen, Home. What wonders await you in Heaven, Helen!! Our Sincerest Sympathy, Love and Friendship to Wayne and Family at the loss of this wonderful lady! The Love of your wife, mother and grandmother will live on in each of you - Be at Peace! xo George Schreyer, Don and Cheri Kasianchuk - Posted by: Cheri Kasianchuk (for George Schreyer) (friend) on: Feb 02, 2016
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My sincere sympathy to Helen's entire family. The whole community has lost a vibrant, caring, hard working and fun loving person. She will be missed by so many. - Posted by: Mary-Louise Lazarenko (Friend) on: Feb 02, 2016