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HELEN MAY KAIN
Born: Sep 14, 1927
Date of Passing: Dec 29, 2023
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryHELEN MAY KAIN
It is with much love and sadness that we share the news of the passing of our mother, Helen Kain. Helen passed away peacefully in Souris with her family by her side on December 29, 2023. She is survived by Debra Kain of Souris, Manitoba, and Leah Kain (husband Michael Hansen) from Sarasota, Florida, USA.
Helen May Kain was born to Stan and Jessie (Waterman) Brown in Souris on September 14, 1927, one of three children. Helen was predeceased by her beloved husband W. John Kain in 2003 and her brothers Arthur in 1986 and Claire in 2017.
Helen grew up on the farm in the RM of Glenwood. She and her brother Art attended Lily school arriving by horse and buggy. She completed her high school in Souris, graduating in 1946. After graduation, Helen taught on permit at Glenvale School for one year before going to Central Normal School in Winnipeg. There she excelled at softball, basketball, dancing, and academics and developed some lifelong friends.
After graduation, Helen returned to Southwest Manitoba to teach at Powerville School. She boarded with Amy and Basil Hillis who became forever friends. To the date of her death, she kept in touch with former students.
Helen married W. John Kain on October 28, 1953, becoming an integral part of the Kain farm at Chater and lived there for the next 50 years, becoming a valued member of the community. She was a member of the local church, taught 4-H, and substitute taught at Chater School. Her two daughters were born in 1956 (Debra) and 1958 (Leah).
Helen was an active farm wife, milking dairy cows, baling hay and straw, driving the combine as well as providing meals for many hired hands and farm workers. She loved to read, write poetry, garden, and watch the many birds that landed on her windowsill.
Eventually, Helen and John sold the dairy quota and moved to cow calf and grain farming. John had an interest in real estate and they both took their real estate exams. John became the Broker and Helen was the Office Manager as they successfully operated John Kain Realty for many years.
Helen and John loved to travel. They took trips to England, Scotland, Jamaica, and Costa Rica. They purchased a fifth wheel, travelling across Canada and north to Alaska.
John passed away January 15, 2003. Helen stayed on the farm for the next nine years, adopting her best friend Tucker, a spicy border collie. Helen and her daughters travelled to Ireland, the Mediterranean, Eastern Canada, and the Panama Canal. For over 15 years Helen spent part of each winter in Florida with Leah and Mike.
In 2011, Helen and Tucker retired to Souris, residing at the Old Mill Estates. There she enjoyed the company of many old friends, happy hours, and long walks in the park. Helen enjoyed one last lovely Christmas Day in 2023 with her family prior to her passing at the age of 96.
Many thanks from the family to Dr. Cram and the caring Prairie Mountain Health Homecare staff, all who made it possible for Helen to remain in her own home until her passing.
Helen’s Celebration of Life will take place in the spring of 2024 in Souris with interment at Chater Cemetery. If so desired, donations in memory of Helen may be made to Funds for Furry Friends or a charity of your choice.
As published in Brandon Sun on Jan 13, 2024, Jan 13, 2024