It is with deep sorrow that we announce Mom passed away July 25, 2022 at the age of 91. She fought the good fight and can now resume dancing with dad in the great ballroom.

Mom was the “last one standing” as she was predeceased by her parents Peter and Julia Yarek, sisters Ida and Mary, and brother Julius. She was also predeceased by our dad, Jan.

Mom was born in Toronto, finished high school and worked for a number of years before marrying dad in 1957, in Toronto. They moved to Etobicoke where we grew up and thrived. Mom was big on family – after all, she had 4 boys – Chris, Larry (Linda), Peter and David (Kristine). Despite the hectic pace of preparing for big holiday dinners, we all secretly knew she loved it…and the meals were amazing! She could be tough but underneath the tough exterior beat a generous heart and kind spirit.

Mom loved and appreciated music but didn’t play – she passed on her gift of music appreciation to us. She could be moved to tears by a choir singing a hymn. She loved dancing and while dad two-stepped his way around, mom would be moving and grooving, always with proper technique….cha-cha, tango, rhumba, waltz….all of them. She also loved learning about different faiths and cultures, all the while instilling that appreciation into her sons.

Mom loved baseball and her Toronto Blue Jays – she was a passionate fan and when baseball season was done, she would eagerly wait for spring training. She always had an opinion (baseball and otherwise) and was always open to sharing it. Mom touched us all.

She will be missed by her four sons, respective spouses, seven grandchildren (Matthew, Christopher Emma, Brietta, James, Marc, Christina), many nieces, nephews and friends. Thanks to West Park and Copernicus Lodge LTCs for their support in Helen’s last years. Also a special thanks to the Personal Care Workers who visited and cared for her. She raved about all of you, along with the great care and kindness given. It is very much appreciated.

There will be a visitation at Turner & Porter - Yorke Chapel, 2357 Bloor Street W., Toronto – Wednesday, July 27 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm

Mass will be at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 3055 Bloor Street W., Etobicoke M8X 1C6 – Thursday, July 28, 11 am.
Internment following at Assumption Cemetery 6933 Tomken Rd, Mississauga, ON L5T 1N4
For those unable to attend in person, a livestream of the mass will be available to view on the Our Lady of Sorrows Youtube channel:
https://youtu.be/FrWfU1iL-Rs

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to a charity of your choice or sent to Canadian Food for Children, http://www.canadianfoodforchildren.net