Obituary of KARPOWICZ – Helena Julia

July 8, 1908 – November 7, 2010. Born in Montreal, Quebec, the eldest of six children to parents Walenty and Julia Antosz. She married her true love Josef Karpowicz on July 6, 1935. Devoted mother of Edmund (Mary) and Helen (Richard) Kennedy, and grandmother to Ronald, Gary (Kerry) and Linda (Peter); Stephen (Cindra), Cheryl (Massimo), Laura (Rob) and Debbie (David). Her twelve great-grandchildren were her pride and joy, and will lovingly remember her as “Ma,” “Babcia” and “Cuckoo”. Helena is survived by her brother, Alfred (Eleanor) Antosz, and sister-in-law, Jennie Antosz, as well as cousins, nieces, nephews and friends, many of whom celebrated her 102nd birthday this past July. She moved from Montreal to Calgary to live with her daughter in 1983. She loved animals, birds, flowers, cooking, baking and made the best pierogies. Helena was fluent in English, French and Polish, enjoyed traveling, especially to her dream destination, Australia, and always seemed to be unbelievably lucky when it came to bingo. Her love of music led her to learn the violin as a child which she played with great pride until the age of 90 with the Lechman Choir in Montreal and the Calgary Hopak Ensemble. Helena was known for her feisty spirit, sense of humour and her strong opinions, as she always knew best! She kept that zest for life and mental sharpness until the end. She attributed her youthful appearance to her Ponds Cold Cream and always had a Kleenex ever ready in her pocket. Helena always remembered everyone’s birthdays and anniversaries. She was famous for her catch phrase “oh no!” and saved every bread roll she could find from restaurants all over the world (wrapped in a napkin in her purse). She will be truly missed! Helena’s family would like to express their special thanks to Faye at Trinity Lodge. Family and friends are invited to celebrate her life at her Memorial Service at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Saturday, November 13, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your favourite charity in her name with our sincere thanks. In living memory of Helena Karpowicz, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403)243-8200