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HELEN JULIA STERZER
Date of Passing: Oct 11, 2023
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryHELEN JULIA STERZER
Helen Julia Sterzer passed away suddenly on October 11, 2023 in her home in downtown Winnipeg, at the age of 89 years.
Helen was an adventurer, a pioneer, and an explorer all of her life. Her first foray away from home was to St. Ursula's Academy in Bruno, Saskatchewan. She was a rebel and a natural leader; she led the girls' sports teams for the school, yet she also excelled in academics. She often recollected that her time in St. Ursula's was the most formative period for her life.
Helen had many roles over the years. She had her private pilot's license from the Winnipeg Flying Club. She was a pioneer in the computer industry, working as a systems designer and project manager for Air Canada; she often quit that job to travel, only to be re-hired again and again as her work was of such high quality.
After her retirement, she ran for parliament. She always chose the toughest battles, running in the ridings where her opponent had an overwhelming lead in polls; she was always undeterred. In her political life she rubbed shoulders with many ministers and knew a Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition on a first name basis.
In between campaigns, she travelled in a Volkswagen camper van, making progress towards her goal of visiting every US state and Canadian province.
She is survived by her son Marcus Sterzer, her brother Fr. Albert Sterzer, and her many loving nieces and nephews. In heaven, she joins her mother Helen Sterzer (nee Koett) and father Lawrence Sterzer, her brother Larry and sisters, Anita, Mary-Louise and Rose-Marie.
Helen's funeral service will be held at Saint Alphonsus Church at 315 Monroe Avenue in Winnipeg, on November 9, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 28, 2023
Condolences & Memories (4 entries)
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Hellen was a woman in a league of her own. I recall meeting her at a political association function where she instantly invited me to "manage" her campaign (she did most of the work!) Never could I have imagined the amount of lifelong impactful friends (Joan W., Trudy T., Bev & Leigh T., and others) made during the time we spent in political circles. She was always the "youngest" in the group and had more energy, wit and political history knowledge than most of us put together. Blessings to Marcus and family during this time. Hellen was certainly a real blessing to Us. - Posted by: Adrian Schulz (Friend) on: Nov 08, 2023
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I knew Helen from working with her at Air Canada. We worked together in different projects and we became good friends. In one of my trips back to the Philippines to visit my parents, she and Ron came with me so they met my family and friends. When I left for Montreal, Just before her passing she came to visit me. I will miss her very much, but her memory will always be with me. Rest in Peace my friend. - Posted by: Flora Q Abesamis (Friend ) on: Nov 08, 2023
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I worked with Helen at Air Canada for many years. She was not only intelligent, but had such a keen sense of humour and positivity. She attacked every thing she did with such vigor and enthusiasm. She loved people and especially her son Mark and was so proud of him. Helen never met a stranger and she embraced her work and her life with such tenacity, strength and knowledge and was a very integral participant on every project she undertook - computer projects, politics, etc. She didn't know the word defeat and no obstacles were ever too big for her to overcome. Even though I hadn't seen Helen very often in the last few years, when we did meet up it was like I had just seen her yesterday. She will be sadly missed by so many especially her friends Ron Krug and Brenda Klinck. Rest in peace Helen. - Posted by: Gail Morlock (Friend and Co-worker) on: Nov 01, 2023
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Helen was a very special woman in my life! She was my first volunteer when I ran for city Council and we became fast friends ever since! Helen used to say “who’d have thought I’d make a best friend at this stage of my life?” Our love of politics, travel, Dubonnet & Salisbury House gave us lots to talk about on our many lunches, dinners and visits! We shared many laughs over the years and I have rarely met such an intelligent, knowledgeable, feisty, well-travelled woman. Special friends Adrian Schulz, Joan Wright & Helen & I often lunched together - discussing how we’d solve all the problems of the world and we will miss those lunches. Helen introduced us to Rodeo - her nephew was a clown - and we attended out of town socials, family gatherings, reunions - danced, laughed, talked, commiserated (mostly about politics) and generally enjoyed each others company. She was a long time loyal member of the Conservative Club also and I know she will be missed by fellow members for her great sense of humour and challenging questions of the various speakers. I will miss Helen dearly but I know she is with the Good Lord now and will be watching over us and cheering us on. I love you dear friend. - Posted by: Trudy Turner (Dear Friend) on: Oct 28, 2023