Helen Mandziuk of Yorkton, SK, beloved wife of the late John Mandziuk, mother of Karen Norman and John Mandziuk of Yorkton passed away suddenly on March 31, 2012, in the I.C.U. of the Regina General Hospital, Regina, SK, with her loving family by her side. Helen was born in Winnipeg, MB on April 26, 1928, the youngest of three daughters of Annie and Michael Kudrych. She received her education at Florence Nightingale School located in Winnipeg's north end. In her early teens, she was crowned City Champ in speed skating - an accomplishment she was always proud of. During World War II, Helen worked at the Ray-O-Vac battery factory in Winnipeg. After the war she gained employment with Eaton's in their mail-order department and had Saskatchewan as her territory. She prided herself in knowing the names of all the cities and towns of Saskatchewan, which ironically would turn out to be her future home. On June 19, 1948 she was united in marriage to John Mandziuk. Helen and John moved to Yorkton in 1951 where they started Yorkton City Bakery with John's brother Mike and his wife Frances and their father John Sr. Helen and John were blessed with two children, Karen and John, who still reside in Yorkton. Helen was always active in the community. She was a member of the Kinette Club, enjoyed curling, golf and cheering on the Senior Terriers hockey club. In her later years, she was a member of the Legion Ladies Auxiliary and the Red Hat Society. Helen's greatest moment was when she finally became a "Baba" - not only once but twice, to her two grandsons, Daniel and Matthew. She baby sat with them as infants and was able to see them grow into their teens. She cheered them on at their soccer, volleyball and basketball games and school functions. Helen will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Karen (Ken) Norman of Yorkton, SK; son, John (Susan) of Yorkton, SK and their children Daniel and Matthew; niece, Donna (Glenn) Aitchison of Winnipeg, MB; nephews, Gary (Marilyn) Mandziuk of Toronto, ON, Michael (Bev) Mandziuk of Yorkton, SK; niece, Debbie Mandziuk-Burns of Calgary, AB; and their families; as well as numerous cousins and friends. Helen was predeceased by her parents, Annie and Michael Kudrych; sisters, Mary, Jenny and her husband John Studney; mother and father-in-law, Katherine and John Mandziuk; brothers-in-law, Billy Mandziuk, and Michael (Mike) Mandziuk and his wife Frances. Helen kept active. She went to Aquasize at the pool, three mornings a week. She enjoyed her time in the pool and the coffee time after. Here she made many friends and truly enjoyed her time with the "girls". For many years she also enjoyed the Stars for Saskatchewan concert series. These past few years, Helen especially enjoyed the weekly Sunday service at St. Andrew's United Church officiated by her favourite ministers Rev. Milo and Rev. Doug. Helen will always be remembered for her style. Her hair was always "coiffed" and she loved to wear the latest fashions. After Helen's eyesight failed, she became more dependent on John, and after his passing she depended on family and friends. Helen's family would especially like to thank those friends who made sure she got to the pool, concerts, K-ettes, and Red Hat meetings. A visitation for family and friends was held on Wednesday, April 4, 2012 from Bailey's Funeral Home. Funeral services were held on Thursday, April 5, 2012 from St. Andrew's United Church in Yorkton with Rev. Milo Spooner Craig officiating. The organist, Shani Apland with members of St. Andrew's and Westview United Church choirs led the congregation in the singing of the hymns 'Jesus Bids Us Shine' and 'I Am the Light of the World'. The choir anthem was 'This Little Light of Mine'. Honourary Bearers were all who knew and loved her. Grandson, Matthew Mandziuk served as the urn bearer. The recessional music was 'Come Fly With Me' by Frank Sinatra. Interment followed in the family plot in the Garden of Devotion at the Yorkton Memorial Gardens. Memorials in memory of Helen may be made towards the St. Andrew's United Church Memorial Fund, the Sunrise Health Foundation towards equipment for ICU at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre or the Charity of one's choice. Condolences can be emailed to the family at www.baileysfuneralhome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to Bailey's Funeral Home.
