Helen was born December 8, 1927 at Valley River on the family farm (se22-26-20) to Steve and Mary (nee Witowitz) Prestayko. She was their 5th child of six. She passed away peacefully on July 12 at the Personal Care Home.
In her early life Helen really enjoyed reading many books and her schooling. She was always the one in the house with her mother preparing for the family. Her mother had knee length hair and Helen was the one capable of doing it to her Mother's satisfaction. This introduced her to the need for attention to detail in appearance and her trade mark look.
She began her career working at the Sifton Hotel and then on to the Dauphin Hotel which gave her the skill for her 33.5 years working for National Defense South Port CFB Portage. She served in the general dining room but was exclusively in the Officer's Mess when dignitaries and other officers came to the base. This was her calling in life and was very honored to do so. Upon her retirement she received a commendation for long service signed by Prime Minister Brian Mulroney.
Helen met the love of her life Walter and was married in Sifton November 10, 1945. They farmed in the Zoria district for a number of years before moving to Dauphin and Portage La Prairie due to Walter's employment with MB Hydro. She began her long term service at the military base at South Port in the early Fifties. Upon her retirment they continued living in Portage until 1998 when they moved to Dauphin to be closer to family.
Auntie Helen was a very devout religious person. She will be remembered for her stylish tatse in clothes, her perfect hairdo and her interest in the people around her. She loved to cook and her garden.
She was predeceased by her husband Walter, and her parents Steve an Mary Prestayko, as well as her siblings and spouses; Cassie (Fred) Molesky, Bill (Rita) Prestayko, Mike (Kay) Prestayko, Ann (Dan) Smaluck, Lena (Bill) Perih.
She is survived by numerous nephews, nieces and extended family. She will lovingly be remembered by all those who came in contact with her.
Rosary started at 9:30 am Saturday, July 18, 2020 at St. Viator's Roman Catholic Church in Dauphin, MB
A Funeral Mass was celebrated for Helen on Saturday, July 18, 2020 at 10:00 am from St. Viator's Roman Catholic Church in Dauphin with Father. Michel Nault officiating.
Interment followed in the Riverside Cemetery - Dauphin.
Should friends so desire, donations in memory of Helen may be made to St. Viator's Roman Catholic Church Geothermal Project.
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