Helene Olga Michels

Helen was predeceased by her dear husband Henry Michels Sr., and is survived by her beloved sister Selma Bjerkley, devoted son Henry Michels, his wife Lydia Perovic, her grandchildren Alexandra McClung and husband Cooper McClung, Alyssa Makow, Enelyse Messersi and partner Devon Ferrol, her great-grandchildren Logan McClung and Elora Ferrol, and niece Claudine Brittan and nephew Brian Berkley, as well as many other cousins overseas.

Born in Lithuania on July 21, 1933, Helene was the daughter of Olga Marie Kopp (neé Ruhnke) and Ewald Julius Kopp. In the mid 1950s, Helene and Henry emigrated to Toronto, Canada to begin a new life. A homemaker who enjoyed the simple things – cooking, drinking tea, and going for walks, Helene also loved listening to music. One would hear quite a variety of tunes coming from her stereo system - from Tom Jones and Elvis Presley to Johnny Cash and Willy Nelson, as well as Luciano Pavarotti and the classical composers. In addition, Helen had a passion for reading and a thirst for general knowledge; she often could be found with a history book in hand, making notes in the margins of the daily newspaper or perusing a current affairs magazine. A lover of nature, Helene’s morale was lifted when in the company of animals. She found companionship and comfort from their unconditional love. Helene will be remembered by her friends and family as a courageous, independent woman who demonstrated resilience of spirit and fortitude in adversity. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Visitation will be at 11:00 am on Friday, February 10, with a funeral service to follow at 12:00 pm at Giffen-Mack and Trull Funeral Home, located at 2750 Danforth Ave, Toronto, M4C 1L3. An entombment will take place thereafter from 2:30 to 3:00 pm at Forest Lawn Mausoleum, 4570 Yonge St., Toronto, M2N 5L6.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made at The Alzheimer Society of Canada and/or the Hospital for Sick Children.

https://support.alzheimer.ca/site/Donation2;jsessionid=00000000.app20047b?idb=1906901257&df_id=7061&7061.donation=landing&mfc_pref=T&NONCE_TOKEN=81E755790046D7DB295C5BC3BA8616FA&7061_donation=landing;

https://www.sickkids.ca/en/support-sickkids/donate/.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.giffenmackdanforth.com for the Michels family.