Helene Warkentin

It is with heavy hearts and sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother and matriarch of our family, Helene (Sperling) Warkentin on December 14, 2023 at Bethania Personal Care Home.

Helene was born on June 7, 1927 in Schoensee, Ukraine (S.Russia), the middle child of nine. In August, 1953, Helene and her husband John came to Canada and settled in Winnipeg. She was employed at Health Sciences Centre for 19 years where, despite working nights, she still gave the absolute best of herself to her children.

Our mother gave us unconditional love and we are thankful for all her support and endless wisdom throughout the years. Helene was the glue that held our family together, especially after our father’s death on March 27, 1988.

She leaves to mourn and cherish her memory, her children: Frieda (Alan) Hurlburt, Margaret Franca, John Warkentin, Karen (Ken) Dyck and Susan Therrien. She will also be sadly missed by her grandchildren: Marcia (Dennis) Clark, Jennifer (Martyn Findlater-Smith) Hurlburt, Christopher (Tamara Pomanski) Hurlburt, Matthew Franca, Marcus (Kristin McLennan) Franca, Jayden Dyck (Sarah Flynn) and Wren Therrien; Her great-grandchildren: Thiago Franca, Turner & Sophie Clark, Coen & Tobias Findlater-Smith, Karyna Hurlburt, Charlotte & Maisey Franca and Ivy Franca. Helene also leaves two sisters, Margaret Folberth, Anna Duerksen, sister-in-law Martha Sperling (Germany) and sister-in-law Lydia Sperling (B.C.) and many nieces and nephews.

The family is grateful and we thank everyone who assisted mom and showed her kindness and compassion at Bethania Personal Care Home. We also wish to thank the home care staff who helped her stay in her home for many years, everyone at Misericordia Prime Program and the Concordia Adult Day Club and we also thank Dr. Asita Mehta for the many years of wonderful loving care she gave mom.

Her weary hours and days of pain. Her troubled nights are past, and in our aching hearts we know; She has found sweet rest at last.

At Helene’s request, a private family funeral will be held on December 20, 2023.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Bethania Mennonite Personal Care Home or the Manitoba Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated.