It is with heart breaking sadness, that Helena’s family announces her passing on February 12, 2019 at Toronto General Hospital, after a courageous battle with a long period of failing health.

She will be profoundly missed by her loving daughters Anna Hecko- Maranto (Rome, Italy) and Grazyna Krigstin (Toronto), her granddaughter Manuela Maranto (Rome, Italy) and her great grandchildren Leonardo and Arianna (Rome, Italy), her beloved sisters Stanislawa Rawski (Toronto), Janina Checko (Toronto), Alina Brkic (Toronto), along with nieces Teresa Tyrala (Rome, Italy), Beata Granier (Montreal, PQ), Jola Gruca (Toronto), Monika Batten (Toronto) and nephew Jacek Checko, and their children.

Our family would like to express a special thank you to Dr. Romana Fagan, who’s exceptional love, friendship and carrying, saved Helena’s life many times. You are an incredible person.

Thank you to Marysia (Toronto), Alicja (Spain), who spent last year caring for her, spending sleepless nights, cooking (great meals), exercising, playing cards, reading with her and to her, praying, listening to her gibberish, having an intelligent conversation, who had so much love and feeling for her, as if it was their own mother.

Irene, you were there to support all of us for over 25 year. My mother loved you. You were and are part of our family. Thank you for being you!!!

Many thanks to Gienia Kuczynska, Irena Ostrowska, Grazyna Murawiecki, who were always there for her.

Thank you to all her friends for the past relationships and the present, who called, who wrote her letters, birthday wishes, Christmas cards, etc.

She loved you all, she cared for you all, she called you when she couldn’t hear you well, but she kept on doing it. Thank you for your patience.

Thank you to my husband Jerry and his family for loving and including her in all your family functions. It meant a lot to her knowing there is love and respect between two different cultures and religions. And a special thank you from me, as well.

Mom, thank you for all you gave us over your lifetime.
You are our Angel.

We’ll meet again.

God be with you for the eternal life.

Loving daughters,
Grazyna and Ania