BUNZ: Helen Mary
June 6, 1921 - July 19, 2014
Helen completed her earthly journey at noon on July 19, 2014 at the Kelowna General Hospital with her daughter at her side. Helen grew up on a farm around Carmel, Saskatchewan, the 3rd oldest in a family of 12. She worked hard growing up, doing farm chores like milking cows and pitching bales, etc. and looking after younger siblings. Upon leaving home, she worked for a family in Humboldt, and then moved to Moose Jaw where she worked as a maid, welcoming and serving guests for a wealthy family, and then worked in a bakery and ice cream parlour. She married Henry in 1947, and together they owned and ran the St. Gertrude Country Store in rural Saskatchewan, south of Muenster; raised chickens and a few goats, and had a large garden. Moving to Humboldt in 1973, Helen took on cleaning jobs for several businesses and the priest's rectory, and babysitting for a neighbouring young family. In 1986, a move was made to Kelowna, BC. Helen was a hard worker, looking after her family, sewing, cooking, cleaning, baking, canning, sanding and refinishing cupboards, and painting in every new place of residence. She was known for her hospitality to relatives and friends, for her chicken dinners, her perogies, her apple pies, the angel food cakes many asked her to bake for their special occasions, her canned peaches, her delicious homemade buns, her decorated Easter lambcakes; she crocheted swan flowers baskets and knitted several Siwash sweaters, spinning raw wool into yarn to make them. It seemed she would never grow old as through the years she would entertain her grandkids on the playgrounds, at Flintstone Park or McDonald's Farm, or be talked into jumping on a trampoline. Right up to moving into Sun Pointe Village Senior's Residence in 2009, she was constantly busy in her kitchen, cooking meals, baking, and canning Henry's favourite fruits. Helen had a strong faith and prayer life, and was a dedicated church member. At St. Gertrude, she was a member of the Christian Mothers, attending meetings and helping organize and working the fall supper. She tidied up and did the flowers arrangements for the altar for Sunday Mass and for weddings and funerals. In Humboldt, she was a CWL member, was involved in the Charismatic Prayer group, and became a lay Franciscan. In Kelowna, St. Theresa's Church was the mainstream in her life, where she attended daily Mass, and served as a Eucharistic minister. In her last years the Catholic TV channel EWTN was a companion, comforting her in difficult or lonely times. Helen will be always remembered by her family for her determination and brave battling through times of struggles, her help and support always there when needed; her sense of humour and fun; her love of games and playing cards, the uselessness of arguing with her when she "knew" she was right, and her constant reminders that keeping the faith, God's commandments, and remembering eternal life as being the main goal, were the important things in life. She is forever cherished by her loving children: Doreen (Andre) Beaulieu of Calgary, Alberta and Anthony (Anne) Bunz of LaRonge, Saskatchewan; grandchildren Pam (Jon) Read, Kristen Bunz, Aaron, Chandree, Jayden and Stephanie Beaulieu; great grandchildren Nikki and Jesse Read. Also her sisters Isabel (Vince, deceased) DeCoste of Ventura, CA, and Lorie Ruskowsky of Calgary, AB; her brothers Arnold (Bev) of Whiterock, BC, Harry (Toni)of Calgary, AB, and Phil (Dianne) of Kelowna, BC; sister-in-law Joan Ruskowsky of Victoria, BC; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents William and Justina Ruskowsky; her husband Henry in 2010; her daughter-in-law Rhonda; her sisters Rose (Fidele) Lessard, Mildred (Bill) Kostiuk; and her brothers: Leo, Tony, Frank, and Lionel. Prayers for Helen were recited at St. Theresa's Catholic Parish, Kelowna, BC at 6:00 p.m., Friday, July 25, 2014. Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Theresa's Catholic Parish at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 26, 2014, officiated by Father Cerlouie Jimenez. Interment will follow in St. Theresa's Cemetery, Sexsmith Road, Kelowna, BC. Condolences may be sent to the family through the guest book at . Arrangements entrusted to Valleyview Funeral Home, Kelowna, BC 250-765-3147.
