Obituary of Helen Turner

TURNER: It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved and beautiful mother, Helen Turner (Rak). Helen passed away at the Brandon Regional Health Centre – Palliative Care, on Thursday, September 30, 2021, with her daughter, Rose, holding her hand. Mom had survived colon cancer in 2010 and had a few more issues over the years but she always fought them bravely and never complained. She gave her all in everything, however it was finally time for her body to rest and her soul to be up in heaven. Many hearts are saddened with her passing as a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, friend and more. She leaves in passing her son, David and his 3 children: grandson, Rorke Christiuk (Katelin) and beloved great-grandsons, Rhett and Emmett; grandson, Kane Christiuk (Maria) and beloved great-granddaughters, Abigail and Isabelle and grandson, Cass Christiuk (Alyssa); her daughter, Diane and her 2 children: grandson, Branden Freund (Theresa) and Dayna Freund and daughter, Rose and beloved son-in-law, Donnie Simpson. She also leaves in passing her brother, Russ (Lynn) and Eddy Rak (Joan) and sister, Mary Goritz and nephews and nieces. Mom was always a hard worker and brightened so many lives. She was known as the Perogy Grandma in the family, but she did much more than that. She was born in Poland on December 22, 1935 and immigrated to Canada with her family as a toddler. They settled in the Monominto area. She eventually moved to Winnipeg on her own to work. In 1959, she married and moved to Dufrost to farm with her husband. There, they had 3 beloved children. They later sold the farm and moved to Steinbach where she was widowed in 1976. A few years, later she met her beloved late husband Francis Turner which moved her up North. Together they built their house in Wanless, MB. After Fran’s retirement they moved to Pinawa, until Francis’ passing in 2003, after nearly 24 years together. After a few moves, Mom eventually came to Brandon in 2013, and in 2014 decided to move into the suite Donnie and Rose had set up for her in their home. Our Mom was a very caring, giving and compassionate person. She was always there when we needed her and always supportive through all of our life. She truly loved her grandchildren and great children so much. Her face lit up whenever they would come for a visit or we would do a FaceTime call. She was a wonderful cook, baker, canner, crocheter, gardener and hugger. She just loved to keep busy and make others happy. While she was in Brandon she made many friends through her volunteering, church activities and the many dances she went to. Mom loved to dance. A special thank-you to A3 Palliative for making Moms last few days truly as close to being as at home as we could be (you are truly angels) and all of the BRHC Doctors, Nurses, Aides, and all the other workers. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all you’ve done. We fought a tough battle and Mom went out smiling to the heavens. In keeping with Mom’s wishes cremation has taken place. A private family gathering will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation “Palliative Care”, 150 McTavish Avenue East, Brandon, MB, R7A 2B3 or to a charity of choice.