It is with great sadness that the family of Helen Cornelia Gural (nee Kohar) age 95 announces her passing on May 19, 2017.
She left us surrounded with the love of her family, friends and the special caregivers of Hogarth Riverview Manor (4North). Helen was born in Fort William on January 15, 1922 to Andrew and Anna Kohar.
Helen graduated from Selkirk High School in business and throughout her life worked for many companies ending her career with McCartney Jewelers and the Slovak Legion.
Mom was devoted to her Polish heritage always involved in Polish cultural activities. She was the musical director for the church choir at St. Casimir’s Polish church for over 50 years, directed the Polish Millennium choir and was involved with dance groups and fundraising activities. She loved her pierogi group at the Simpson Street Polish Legion working at “pinching” until she was 93 years of age. Another highlight of Mom’s life was meeting her coffee group at Tim Horton’s.
Above all, Helen loved her family. Her children and especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren took the forefront throughout her life. She was a dearly loved Mom, Nana and Babcia and adored by her buddy; a golden retriever named Misza. Helen had a zest for life until her death. This was evident whenever we gathered; she always was ready for a party. We all danced to mom’s birthday theme song, “Stayin Alive”. Dziękujęi bardzo Mamusia for all your cabbage rolls, kapusta and pierogi. We will truly miss your cooking mom and your conncection to our Polish culture.
Helen was devoted to her faith and was a member of the Catholic Women’s League of St. Agnes Church (25 years), Polish Canadian Legion Ladies Auxillary Branch #149, Slovak Legion Branch #129, Polish Mutual Benefit Society and Canadian Polish Congress. She volunteered her time generously for the Thunder Bay District Health Unit and the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
Helen married Nicholas (Nick) Gural in 1945 and they were blessed with 53 years of marriage. They loved travelling to Florida, Hawaii and other destinations and especially loved their Blue Jays. She is survived by daughter Michele Tracz (Paul), son Barry Gural (Marilyn) and daughter Anna-Marie Eckensweiler (fiancee Tom). Nana to grandchildren Candyce Gural (Bob), Michael Tracz (Amy), Curtis Gural (Sherry) Natasha Shack (Jason) Jessica Eckensweiler (Shane Keegan), and Victoria Eckensweiler (Michael Raynak). Babcia to great-grandchildren Molly and Beatrice Gural. Also surviving sister-in-law Virginia Kohar, neice Karen Nigro and nephews Rick Kohar and David Kohar as well as other surviving relatives. She had a family greater than those related to her. Helen was predecesased by her parents, husband Nick (1999), son-in-law Michael Tracz (2000), brothers Edward and Rudy Kohar, sisters-in-law Stella Tomanocy, Amelia Gural and Gen Kohar, brother-in-law Steve Tomanocy and nephew Melvin Kohar.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 24, 2017, when family and friends will gather for Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m., at St. Agnes Church, corner of Brown and Mary Streets, celebrated by Rev. Jerin Louis.
Interment will follow in Mountain View Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to mass time. If friends desire, memorials to OPTIONS northwest or the charity of your choice would be appreciated.
‘’Stolat” mom; you didn’t quite make 100 years but we are very grateful that God blessed you with 95 wonderful years.
