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On March 29, 2012 the Lord took unto himself our dear mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Helena Kislinsky.

Helena was born on May 10, 1919 in Klevan, Ukraine. She was separated from her family at the age of 14 and never saw any of them again. She met Michael in Germany and married him in Bradford, England in 1948. They immigrated to Chilliwack in December 1954.

Mom was always a hard worker, and spent many years on the farm, tending to cattle and chicken in the barns and flowers and vegetables in her large garden, canning and pickling everything that was produced. Mom enjoyed cross-stitching and preparing traditional Ukrainian food for her family and friends. All Orthodox events were always observed and for many years Helena was actively involved in the St. Demetrius Ukrainian Orthodox Church and Women’s Association.

Mom was a strong role model to her family, faithfully devoted to God, always generous and thankful in spirit, surrounding her loved ones in prayer. She had longed to go to heaven for many years to be with the one she loved.

Mom’s spirit will live on in her loving daughters, Vera (Walt) Penner and Anne (John) Webster. Cherished by her grandchildren and great grandchildren, Natalie (Chris) Kehler, Nicholas, Jordan, and Tamina, Christina (Kyle) Williams, Cole and Treyton, Lana Bessett (Tyler), Taylor and James, and Greg Webster. She is also survived by a stepson and family in Ukraine. She was predeceased by her husband, Michael, in 2001.

Mom’s family wants to express a special sincere thanks to all the wonderful staff at Heritage Village for all the love, patience and kind concern to their Mom for so many years.

Evening prayers will be held on Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at the chapel of Henderson’s Funeral Home. The Orthodox Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated on Thursday, April 5, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Demetrius Ukrainian Orthodox Church conducted by Rt. Rev. Fr. Peter Hnatiw. Memorial lunch will follow in Church basement. Mom will be interred at Chilliwack Cemeteries on Little Mountain.

Should family and friends so desire, donations in Helena’s memory may be made to the Heritage Village Life Enrichment Foundation, c/o Heritage Village.

ETERNAL BE HEr memory!

vichnaya pamiyat!

There’s a gift you cannot buy,

That’s very rare and true.

Its the gift of a wonderful Mother,

Like the one we had in you.

The many things you did for us,

In you kind and thoughtful way.

You brought us so much happiness,

And none can take away.

We mourn for you in silence,

No eyes can see us weep.

But many a silent tear is shed

While others are asleep.

So those that still have a Mother,

Cherish her with care.

You’ll never know the heartache

Until the day that she’s not there.

May the winds of love blow softly

And whisper so you’ll hear.

We will always love and miss you

And wish that you were here.



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