Mrs. Helen Kolodziejak, formerly of the Otthon district passed away June 24, 2012 at St. Paul Lutheran Home in Melville. She was 94 years of age. Helen Kolodziejak (nee Pifko) was born to Andrew and Ann Pifko on August 19, 1917 in the Brewer district. She grew up on the family farm and was very involved with farming activities. On November 15, 1942, she married Victor Kolodziejak and they began their life together on their farm just east of Otthon. Helen worked tirelessly alongside Victor in the fields as well as providing a beautiful home atmosphere filled with love. On July 1, 1944 Victor and Helen were blessed with their first son Ronald and three years later on June 18, 1947, their second son Harvey was born. Helen's life had various highlights which she greatly treasured, the births of her grandchildren, their academic accomplishments, their marriages and the arrival of her great grandchildren. Helen was an exceptional cook and baker, much to the delight of her 4 granddaughters who lived in the same yard. She had talents that including sewing, knitting, crocheting and of course gardening which she was meticulous about. Helen was very active in the community. She belonged to the Otthon Ladies Circle and gave graciously of her time and talents to the many projects that were undertaken by this club. She also loved music, whether for listening to or dancing to, and when time allowed she played a few tunes on the accordion and later a small organ. Helen loved special occasions and she particularly loved dressing up for Hallowe'en with one of her sister-in-laws or a very close friend, and was always part of any celebration within the family or the community. Sometime after Victor's death, Helen took up residence at the Morris Lodge in Bangor and later at St. Paul's Lutheran Home in Melville where she resided until the time of her death. Helen was predeceased by her husband Victor, parents Andrew and Ann Pifko, her son Ronald and siblings, Charlie, Adolf, Emily, Ella, Emil, Willie, Frank, John, Paul, Olga, Lydia and Rudolf. She leaves to mourn her passing and cherish her memory her son Harvey (Adeline) of Otthon, her daughter-in-law, Diane King of Winnipeg, her grandchildren Jodi Williams of Orangeville, ON, Kristopher King (partner Mike Doody) of Vancouver, BC, Adynea (Blair) Russell, Regina, SK, Krystal Kolodziejak (Nathan Brenner), Regina, SK, Lynette (Justin Kosar), Saskatoon, SK, Raylene (Kyle) Keith, White City, SK, great grandchildren: Kelsey, Ashytn and Tristan Williams, Orangeville ON., Alynah and Austin Russell, Regina, SK, Gage and Ty Keith, White City, SK, sister-in-laws, Emily Pifko, Melville, SK, and Betty Alberts, Yorkton, SK, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends of all ages. The Funeral Service was held on Friday, June 29, 2012 at Zion Lutheran Church in Yorkton with Rev. Daniel Moeller officiating. The organist, Verna Liebrecht led in the singing of the hymns, "Amazing Grace" and "How Great Thou Art". Soloist, Len Varga sang "Precious Lord, Take My Hand". "All Those Who Shared in Helen's Life" were considered honourary pallbearers. The interment took place at Yorkton City Cemetery with Blair Russell, Nathan Brenner, Justin Kosar, Kyle Keith, Wayne Pifko and Dean Pifko serving as the casket bearers. Memorials in memory of Helen may be made to The Lutheran Hour. Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.baileysfuneralhome.com
Funeral arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home.
