Helen Burka of Norquay and formerly of Yorkton passed away peacefully at the Canora Hospital, on February 25, 2012, at the age of 68 years. Helen was welcomed into the large and loving family of Alex and Lena (Palibroda) Burka on November 22, 1943, at the Smeaton Hospital. As the eighth of fourteen children, Helen's childhood was filled with adventures, hard work and laughter with her brothers and sisters, including playing 'cowboy' on the backs of unsuspecting calves, pigs and the occasional fence. Helen began her school days at the age of 6, attending Justamere School where she was very good at sports. After leaving school, Helen entered the workforce. She enjoyed many jobs, first in the Choiceland District, then moving on to Fort Qu'Appelle, Melfort and eventually settling in Yorkton. Although her careers varied over the years, what remained consistent were her qualities of dedication, perseverance, independence and pride in a job well done. Her aspiration to pursue a career in Nursing was fulfilled in caring for the hearts and spirits of those around her. She was always there to lend a hand, share a laugh and prepare a meal. Helen loved to work outdoors and spent many hours gardening and working around the yard. Her award winning flower gardens often led to new friendships as people stopped by to admire her hard work and creativity. Never one to waste, Helen saw value and purpose in all things. She was also known for her outstanding culinary skills, especially traditional Ukrainian dishes. Her family and friends will cherish memories of lavish holiday meals, extravagant Christmas decorations, stories of favorite travels, setting puzzles, and watching curling and baseball on T.V. For Helen, family was always important. She taught her daughters to be independent, strong and how to love unconditionally. She gained great joys from the time she was able to spend with her grandchildren, whom she lovingly referred to as her "precious angels" and her "little man." She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. She was predeceased by her parents: Alex and Lena; her two sisters: Sylvia Burka and Mary Serfas; her brother Bill Burka; her nieces Gloria Serfas and Shelley Shymanski and nephew Randy Pistun. She is lovingly remembered by her two daughters: Tracey (Grant) and their children Amanda and Laurissa Fedorchuk of Norquay , SK and Tammy (Rod) and their son Max German of Davidson, SK; her six sisters: Sophie (Mike) Lazowski of ON, Stella Shymanski of Choiceland, Annie (Vindlan) Pistun of Snowden, Rosie (Ted) Slonski of Snowden, Carol (Richard) Mardell of Snowden and Judy (Ralph) Pistun of Saskatoon; her four brothers: Walter Burka (Arlene) of Snowden, Eddie (Violet) of Choiceland, Jimmy (Gail) Burka of Snowden, Richard (Debbie) Burka of Snowden; her sister-in-law Jean Burka of Snowden; her brother-in-law Arnold Serfas of ON as well as many nieces and nephews. A Visitation was held on Tuesday, February 28, 2012, at 2:00 P.M. from the Chapel of Leson's Funeral Home, Canora. A Service of Remembrance was held on Friday, March 2, 2012, at 2:00 P.M. from the Snowden Community Hall, Snowden, SK with Pastor Darcy R. Cust, officiating. Interment of Cremated Remains followed in the Forest Lawn Cemetery. Those wishing to make expressions of sympathy may make donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or to the Canora Hospital Auxiliary as tokens of remembrance in memory of Helen. Those unable to attend may sign an on-line guest book at www.lesonsfuneralhome.ca Arrangements were entrusted to LESON'S FUNERAL HOME, Canora. (563-5671).
