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HELEN IVEY GITTEL
Born: Jun 27, 1934
Date of Passing: Apr 17, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryHELEN IVEY GITTEL
Helen’s Faith became Sight as she died peacefully following a short stay at Oakview Place Personal Care Home, early on the morning of Friday April 17, 2026, into her 92 year, after a rapid decline from dementia over the past two years.
Helen will be lovingly remembered by her Son and Caregiver Paul Gittel of Winnipeg, and her younger sister Phyllis Austin of Milk River, Alberta along with numerous nieces and nephews, and many dear family and friends throughout Canada from coast to coast.
Helen was predeceased by her husband Arch and her eldest son David. Also predeceasing her were her parents Bert and Phyllis Lawson, older brothers Clarke, Murray, Ross and Elmer.
Helen and Arch were married in Calgary in 1955 and ended up moving to Winnipeg later that same year following various eastern Canadian RCAF postings as Arch then concluded his Regular Air Force Service in 1957, prior to joining Trans Canada Airlines, later known as Air Canada. Once in Winnipeg, they became members of Broadway First Baptist Church. Helen’s delight was to become a Wife and Mother. She found great maternal satisfaction and reward in being a happy stay at home Mom and Homemaker, always grateful that Arch’s faithful and loving support made that possible as they raised their two boys together as a Family. They all enjoyed many wonderful adventures travelling both within Canada and to other countries, sampling different cultures, foods and scenic vistas.
In the late Autumn of 2025, following a nocturnal fall, it became apparent that 24-hour care was a necessity and after a brief stay at the Grace Hospital Emergency, Helen was transferred to the Transitional Care Unit at the Misericordia Hospital at 99 Cornish Avenue. In early January of 2026, Helen was transferred to the Oakview Place Personal Care Home at 2395 Ness Avenue where she remained until her passing. In all those facilities, Helen was given wonderful gracious care and support by all the heroes who serve so faithfully there in their many diverse capacities. Despite her decline from dementia, Helen retained her recognition of Paul and her characteristic gracious genuine politeness when interacting with all those who were caring for her, amidst her many needs.
There will be a Celebration of Helen’s Life and Christian Faith at a later date. At a future date, Helen’s ashes will be taken to Calgary to be placed within Arch’s plot, also very near to Davids.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 25, 2026