HELEN SURMINSKI

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HELEN SURMINSKI July 4, 1930 - April 14, 2018 It is with heartfelt sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of Helen Surminski, aged 87, on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away at her residence, the farm location she helped to establish, deeply loved and couldn't leave. Leaving behind to cherish her memory are her daughters Judy Lee and Dinah (Jim) Cymbalisty. She will be sadly missed by her daughters, her six grandchildren Paul Surminski (Amanda), David Surminski (Gillian), Kevin Surminski (Ellie), Jeremy Donovan, Dustin Cymbalisty, Braeden Cymbalisty (Emily), and great-grandchildren Julianna, Benjamin and Jack. Also she will be lovingly remembered by her sister Rose Merritt, and numerous nieces and nephews. On September 6, 2012, Helen was left to mourn the death of her husband Mike. Her deep sorrow was renewed on May 30, 2017 with the passing of her son, Harold Surminski. Besides her parents William and Anne Swarychewski, Helen was predeceased by her siblings, Steve, Mike, Mary and Sophie. Helen was born on the family farm in the New Star district near Poplarfield. After attending school she spent a few years at home caring for her siblings and ailing mother. This was where she developed her amazing skills and fortitude that extended into her future farm life. After meeting her first and only true love Mike, they married on August 7, 1948 and embarked on their life together like "two peas in a pod". Helen and Mike started a mixed farming operation but soon concentrated on commercial turkeys for over 25 years. Her remarkable physical strength and stamina contributed to the successful development of their farm. She had a passion for the outdoors and spent every available opportunity she could tending to her amazing garden where she often grew beautiful, flawless tomatoes and bountiful crops of other vegetables which she shared with her family and friends. She looked forward to seeing her flowers flourish and tending to her numerous flower gardens. As a result their farm became her shrine and sanctuary. The lawn had to be immaculate without a dandelion in sight. In her later years she spent more time on her riding lawnmower and driving her quad to help her get around. Helen was always interested in the activities of her children and grandchildren. She looked forward to the numerous family gatherings where she was able to create and organize an amazing dinner party with short notice. She was infamous for her meatballs and Easter bread. The love and devotion to her family was her inspiration. Mom and Dad sacrificed their lifestyle to ensure that their family prospered. As Helen and Mike eased into semi-retirement they enjoyed travelling to various locations including Hawaii, Mexico, Jamaica, Bahamas, and several bus tours throughout the United States. They enjoyed curling for many years and frequently travelled to various casinos and made Winnipeg a weekly destination. Still in good health in her later years Mom enjoyed driving to Arborg and to shop and socialize with her friends. She still continued to manage the family farm with the help of her children. She managed to do her own snow shovelling. Her major pastime in the winter was spent watching curling and trips to Winnipeg visiting family, shopping, and frequent visits to the casino. Special thanks extended to Della and Joe, Margie P. and Irene S. for their friendship and support. Mom appreciated particularly the offers of help extended by Margie P. and thank you Larry Surminski just for being there for her. Our family will miss you deeply and cherish the many happy and beautiful memories that will stay with us forever. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Ukrainian Catholic Church in Arborg, with Fr. Harry Chuckry officiating. Interment to follow at the Hamrlik Community Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be her six grandsons Paul, David, Kevin, Jeremy, Dustin and Braeden. Honorary pallbearers will be Jim Cymbalisty and Larry Surminski. Vichnaya Pamyat MacKenzie Funeral Home Arborg 1-800-467-0024 info@mackenziefh.com
Publish Date: Apr 20, 2018

HELEN SURMINSKI With great sadness the family announces the sudden passing of Helen Surminski on Saturday, April 14, 2018, at her residence. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Ukrainian Catholic Church in Arborg. Interment to follow at the Hamrlik Cemetery. Longer obituary to follow. MacKenzie Funeral Home Arborg 1-800-467-0024 info@mackenziefh.com
Publish Date: Apr 19, 2018

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 20, 2018