Obituary of FOLTYN – Helena

April 4, 1941 – May 15, 2010 With sorrow for an incomparable loss, and with gratitude for an incomparable life, we announce the passing of Helena Foltyn after a courageous battle with cancer on Saturday, May 15, 2010 at the age of 69 years. Helena was known by several names, but whether you knew her as Helen, Helena, or Lena, you knew a brave, kind woman who loved her family with all her heart. We will miss her soft and gentle manner, the smile in her eyes, and her famed hospitality. Helena was born in Wisla, Poland during the war years and had a hard upbringing that taught her both thrift and perseverance. She came to Canada in 1978, settling in Calgary with her daughter and husband, and devoted herself to building a life for her family in an unfamiliar land. Helena worked as a physiotherapist in Poland, but, unable to practise her profession after coming to Canada, she worked in a number of positions in the oil and gas industry. Helena was an intelligent, sophisticated woman with interests that ranged from Polish literature and world politics to classical music and sports. She was a devoted Christian, attending All Saints Lutheran Church in Midnapore. Her life’s focus though was her daughter and, in her later years, her grandchildren. The love she gave her family was the greatest of her gifts, one that will sustain us through the trial of losing her and throughout our lives. Helena leaves to mourn her precious daughter Agnieszka Rettie (Alex); her adored and adoring grandsons, James and Leo; and her husband Tadeusz Foltyn, all of Calgary; as well as her father Pawel Karczmarczyk of Poland; and relatives in Poland, the Czech Republic, and the United States. She was predeceased by her mother Ewa, by her infant sister, and by her brother Stanislaw. Funeral Services will be held at All Saints Lutheran Church (380 Midpark Boulevard S.E.) on Wednesday, May 19, 2010 at 1:30 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 200 – 325 Manning Rd. N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 2P5 Telephone: (403) 205-3966, email donorservices@cancer.ab.ca or to All Saints Lutheran Church, 380 Midpark Boulevard S.E., Calgary, AB T2X 2K4 Telephone: (403) 256-0262. In living memory of Helena Foltyn, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek Chapel, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD S.E. Telephone: (403) 256-9575.