Obituary - Helen Olszewski

It is with great sadness that the family of Helen Marie Olszewski, age 91, announce her passing at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on June 6, 2012. Helen will be forever remembered by her loving daughters, Eleanor (Edmonton), Marianne (Calgary), and Jeannine (Vancouver).  She was predeceased by her husband Stanley, her sister Margaret, and her brother Walter.  Helen was born in Kenora, Ontario to John and Annie Daniluk.  She studied forestry and obtained an Arts and Sciences degree from UBC in an era when both were uncommon for women.  Helen was an educator, teaching art, home economics, and English Literature for many years.  She was animated, articulate, and highly regarded by her students; she was both inspired and inspirational.  She left an impression on those around her, often causing them to take positive steps to becoming better people.  Helen was a voracious reader and was relentless in her pursuit of knowledge. She travelled to Europe, Mexico, USA, and parts of Canada.  After retirement, she studied German, Japanese, and French, and took a culinary course in Italy.  She had a passion for art and classical music.  Helen had a deep sense of social justice and was passionately committed to her country and community; she proudly served in the Canadian Forces.  She was active in a political party and was involved with the local multi-cultural association.  On weekends, Helen could regularly be found behind a table, selling daffodils, jazz festival sweatshirts, or telling fortunes as her alter ego, Madame Zsa Zsa.  Helen was a person of high principle and strong values.  She was a mentor to her daughters, and taught them by example to be independent, tolerant and to face life with humour and grace.  She had a sparkling wit and was quick to laugh.  Helen had many friends, amongst them her near-constant companions Diane Franz and Mary Newton.  Her generous and joyful spirit touched many, and she will be dearly missed.  Helen’s daughters would like to express their deep gratitude for the care and compassion provided by Dr. Ahmad, as well as the Palliative Care team on 6 West, including Drs. Greeff, Foley, and Duke, and the many nurses who tended to her.  The Funeral Service will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 238 - 2 Avenue N.E., Medicine Hat on Monday, June 11, 2012, at 1:00 P.M. with the Very Reverend Father Long Vu officiating.