It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of Helen Pacholuk, a beloved wife, mother, sister and daughter on December 22, 2022 at St. Boniface Hospital.
Helen fought a courageous four year battle with cancer and through it all she worried about everyone around her more than herself. She showed great strength and character, protecting everyone from her diagnosis and assuring everyone she didn’t feel sick while preparing us for the day when we would have to go on without her. During this time, the little things in life were greatly appreciated by her as she watched the birds and animals playing in the backyard, listened to the raindrops and watched the sun set and rise.
Typical of her character, Helen made everyone feel special whether she knew you for five minutes or for years. People gravitated to her, so generous was her spirit that everyone she met loved her and wanted to be her best friend. She could always make you laugh instantly and made people feel comfortable around her.
She was a wonderful daughter to her parents Christos and Joanna, always keeping them on their toes but showing them the greatest love a daughter could give. She loved her sister Debbie and always took care of her, protecting and teaching her the ways of the world. She embraced her in laws especially Frank and Hilda, who loved her like the daughter they never had. She took great care to make Gary’s family (Robert, Michael and sister in law Charlene and their children) a significant part of her life, always including them and talking to them as often as possible. When her sister Debbie married, she welcomed Bill with open arms and was quick to befriend all his family. Everyone was always remembered, as she never forgot a birthday or anniversary and celebrated them to their fullest.
She took great pride in her work, graduating from Marvel’s Esthetics School, worked at Giselle’s Spa on Grosevenor then went on to manage Giselle’s Spa on Kensaton, the largest in Western Canada at the time before moving on to manage Sally’s Beauty Supply after her pregnancy. She excelled at these positions, as she valued her clients and staff and commanded everyones respect. Her staff loved her and looked at her as their mother and best friend but knew to always follow her rules.
When she met Gary, she knew she had found in him the love of her life as they began to build their future together. The biggest joy in Helen’s life was her two children, Dimitri, always saying “that’s my boy” and Christina “my princess”. When she had her second child, her sister was pregnant at the same time and when the children were born eleven days apart, Helen treated them like twins and loved her nephew Billy as much as her own children. When her sister’s second son was born, she absolutely adored her nephew Alex, as she could never get enough of him. She was an amazing wife and mother as the roles came so naturally to her. She loved and nurtured her family and brought a loving atmosphere to her house where everyone was always welcomed.
Helen would be there whenever you needed her and even before you asked for help. She was smart and capable and a true leader and protector and did not want anyone to struggle. She was a beautiful person inside and out, kind, generous and caring. She wanted us all to live life to the fullest and the happiest we could and to love each other. We will do our best to honour your wishes. We love you Helen and will miss you dearly.
Funeral service will be held on Thursday, December 29th at 11:00 a.m., at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 2255 Grant Ave, with Rev. Fr. Nikolaos Tambakis presiding. Interment will take place immediately after the service at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home and Cemetery located at 4000 Portage Ave. This will be followed by a reception at the Chapel Lawn Hall where we can all gather to celebrate her life, share memories and embrace Helen and the life she lived.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cancer Care Manitoba in Helens name.
15 thoughts on “Helen Pacholuk”
It is with a very sad heart I receive this news. Please accept my deepest condolences. Helen was an old childhood friend of mine. May god rest her soul and give her husband, children and family peace. Joanne, Christos and Debbie, I am so sorry my heart cries for your loss ♥️🕊🙏 RIP Helen.
I am so sorry for your loss. It’s horrible losing a child doesn’t matter how old they are rest in peace Helen.
Deepest condolences to the entire family. She was an incredible person who’s influence will live on in our hearts. Remembering her from my childhood and the friendship she shared with my sister. Rest in Peace Helen! May your memory be eternal.
I worked with Helen at Giselle’s Spa and she was one of the most wonderful people. She took me under her wing and showed me the ropes. She became a work mom that you didn’t mess with and she will be missed dearly. My condolences to her whole family
You have our deepest sympathy and unwavering support. Wishing you peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow. My heart goes out to you at this difficult time. Wishing you the best and know you have my full support in every moment.
Helen will never be forgotten. She was considered as one of our kids., and our kids considered her as a sibling. She as well her sister Debbie were called the laughing faces. They were always laughing, and they were loved by every one. May her Memory will be Eternal.
Helen was a wonderful woman she will be missed greatly. I am so sorry for your loss .
It is with utter sadness and grief that I write this message. I knew Helen in my teens, as our parents were friends. We eventually moved to Europe and then I moved to the USA, so we lost touch. Helen and I immediately hit it off and attended countless parties, socials and events together. We had so much fun – she was a spitfire and a ball of energy. Her smile was electric and her laugh, contagious. I can hear it now as I write this. I’m so sorry to the entire family for your loss and you have my deepest sympathies. May she rest in eternal peace and I hope to see your bright smile again one day. With love, Athena Metaxas xox
I knew helen when she came to Giselle . A young beautiful spirit inside out . She loves people and always smiled . I remember when she met Garry head over heels in love with him . She gave love to everyone and was a role model to a lot of people, I miss her terribly but she fought and always put a smile on her face . She was worried about her loved one than herself . I miss you Helen but at least you are not suffering . May your soul rest in peace and give love to everyone there . I know you will .
I met Helen years ago when she helped me plan a surprise party for my daughter who worked with her at the time. She was a joyful and caring person and treated me and my husband like old friends from the moment we met! She was such a lovely soul❤️
Helen we will miss you greatly. You were a kind and caring individual who always thought about others. You will always be remembered and we know you will look over your family from above. Rest in peace. The Hadjipanayis Family.
As a longtime next door neighbour to Chris and Joanna, I have fond and happy memories of Helen as she was growing into a wonderful young woman. My deepest sympathies to all her family at this difficult time. You are in my thoughts.
I met Helen through our sons, while attending the same school. She had a beautiful soul. From our first conversation to the final one, I knew she loved her husband and children dearly. I pray the Lord receives her in glory and comforts the family.
Helen was a childhood friend of mine and I’ll never forget her smile, laugh, sense of mischief and love for life! We had many laughs and various adventures together while attending Greek School at Gordon Bell. Rest in peace Helen ❤️
My sincerest condolences to the entire family. I am in disbelief as i write this. I met Helen at a Greek wedding years ago when we were in our late teens. We immediately became friends. Always had a blast when we would go out together. Her laugh was infectious. Her smile… gorgeous! It was always so much fun being around Helen. She made everyone around her feel happy. Genuinely a beautiful girl inside / out. May you rest in eternal peace sweet Helen. xoxo
Helen you will be missed always, and loved forever . May heaven have a window so you can watch over every one you love. We are deeply sorry for your family . From Lynn Pollard