HELEN KRULICKI (DUDAR)

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HELEN KRULICKI
(nee DUDAR)
July 9, 1929 - August 23, 2020

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our beautiful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother. Mom was predeceased by her loving husband of 65 years, Stanley Joseph. Our hearts are lightened knowing Mom and Dad are finally reunited.
Leaving behind to carry on her legacy of caring, love and eternal patience are her eight children. She will be lovingly remembered by Barbara (Don), Shirley (Michael), Kenny (Brenda), Ronnie (Joann), Kimberley (Keith), Terry (Laurie), Bradley (Debbie) and Naomi (Mark); her grandchildren, Marlee, Jarett, Kendra, Garren, Krystof, Trystaen, Garth, Nathan, Erin, Hartley, Timothy, Nikayla, Tara, Travis, Kolton, Austin, Tanner and Torrin, and 18 great-grandchildren.
Mom was born in Fraserwood, MB on July 9, 1929. She was the youngest sibling of seven and grew up with hardships that helped mold her into the amazing woman that she was.
Mom and Dad started with nothing, working side-by-side cutting and selling ice, and running a small corner store. Later, when Dad started to work out of town, Mom continued to run the store while looking after her eight children. Mom was the master gardener with the most beautiful yard, flower gardens and huge prolific vegetable garden that she worked tirelessly watering, hoeing and weeding. As if looking after all of us was not enough, Mom excelled at all crafts she attempted, including ceramics, needlework, crocheting, painting, knitting and sewing. Many, many lucky people are recipients of her hot food carriers! Mom loved to dance and enjoyed all music, even in her later years, she was one of the last to leave a wedding or social - as long as the music was playing she was up dancing. She was an excellent curler and won the provincial ladies title one year.
Mom will be remembered by everyone for her love of babies and children. Her family was by far the most important part of Mom's life. She worked tirelessly and without complaint to ensure we ate well, were dressed well and of course that we had a happy upbringing. She sometimes used the 'wooden spoon' as a threat but not once did any of us feel the sting of it, except maybe Kenny and Ronnie. We grew up always having three homemade meals a day. It was perfectly normal to come home from school to freshly made donuts, cakes, pies, cookies, and "cement buns". Her meals were second to none as "they were made with love". She kept the house immaculate, even when all of us were young. This earned her the nickname of 'Mrs. Clean' from her children. Mom worked everyday from early morning to late evening and still gave us each her undivided attention when we needed it most.
Mom had a terrific sense of humour; she never could finish telling a joke. Many a time she would start the joke with "did you hear the joke about" ....and that was it - she would start laughing and no matter how many times she started to tell it, she never got to the punch line.
Mom loved to travel with Dad. Mom was always the trusty navigator. They started with their young family pulling a tiny trailer and it continued well into their retired lives with the motorhome. They travelled from coast to coast in Canada and many states in the US. Mom enjoyed the many trips to their condominium in Florida and vacations to Mexico.
Mom never liked to sit and relax. As her children grew up and moved away, she became a well-respected volunteer in the community. Mom used her passion for gardening to work together with her friend Leo to develop and care for "Leo's Friendship Garden". She also helped to beautify Gimli as a volunteer with the Gimli Garden Club. As an accomplished seamstress, she used her talent with 4-H Club, Hospital Auxiliary and her favourite sewing group, the "Huldufolk mums". Although Mom was shy and never wanted to be the center of attention, she agreed to play a small part in the video, 'New Iceland Saga' still playing at the Gimli New Iceland Heritage Museum.
Thank you to Dr. R. C. Patel, the St. Norbert Personal Care Home staff and Dr. Miller for their amazing care in the last chapter of her life. A heartfelt thank you to Father Art Seaman for providing the Sacrament of the Sick in her last days.
A small family memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Norbert Personal Care Home.

"Don't worry Mom, we will drive safe and will call when we get home.
Love and Kisses" from your eight children.

Condolences may be left on her tribute wall at www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

Gilbart Funeral Home, Gimli
in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 29, 2020