Helen Wilcox
Peacefully, at Lake of the Woods District Hospital on April 28, 2022 Helen Wilcox passed away after a short illness.
She is mourned by her sons Ken and Brent (Fran), daughter-in-law Arleen (partner Ivan). She was Grandma to Lyndsay (Jamie), Stephen, Tim (Angie), Shawn (Nathalie), Rachelle, Rylan, Adam, Amber (Ryan) and Travis (Toni).
Great Grandma to Reilly, Jaelyn, Payton, and Brailynn, Niece Kim Chysyk, Nephew Jason Chysyk and Great nieces Christine (Jason), and Natasha, Mary and Tom Baker (sister-in-law), and all other family and friends.
The family is at peace knowing her spirit is with those who passed before her. Tilley and Alfred Wallin (mother and father), Leonard Wallin (brother), Gail and Ken Chysyk (sister and brother-in-law), Larry and Allan Wilcox (sons), Emile Butowski (partner). She will be sadly missed by her best friend Donnie Ainsworth, Pauline Switzer (sister-in-law), Diane Lapworth, Sandra Ronnebeck, and Arlene Ortis (cousins), and the Birthday Party Ladies.
Helen was born in Keewatin on Sept. 15, 1934 and spent her entire life in Keewatin and Kenora. At the age of 12, Helen started working in the kitchen after school at the Lake of the Woods Hospital. A few years later she was employed full time at the hospital in the admitting department. At the hospital she was affectionately know as “Auntie Helen”. If you came into the hospital sick or hurt she would greet you with her warm smile, calm voice, compassion, and understanding.
While raising her family of 4 boys she was also involved with the Lodge where she developed life long friendships while going to meetings and on trips. She could also be found at the Kenora Curling Club skipping her team and the best part of all, socializing after the games. For 18 years Mom and Pinky spent as much time as they possibly could at their camp on Welcome Channel on Lake of the Woods. It was there, where so many family memories were made. After retiring from the hospital at age 65, Mom would go on gambling trips, play crib, and once a month off to a birthday party with her special friends. From a very young age Helen learned to knit and helped others who came to her for help. Sometimes you were scared to ask for help because if it wasn’t up to her standards, she would rip it out in front of you with a smile on her face, and she would say, “You need to try again”. If you are fortunate to have something that she knit it is now “a treasure made with love”.
Forever In Our Hearts love your family.
Helen and her family were grateful for the excellent care she received from everyone at Lake of the Woods District Hospital.
Cremation has taken place and there will be a private family interment at a later date.
At the request of the family, in lieu of flowers, a donation to Lake of the Woods Community Foundation in memory of Helen, would be welcome.