Helen Svekla (Iftody)

A joyful woman, Helen danced, sang and worked throughout her long life of adventure and activity. On Saturday, February 4th, Helen passed away very peacefully at the age of 104 ½ years. She was born on June 21, 1912 at her pioneer parents’ homestead below Eagle Hill, near Boian (Willingdon), 80 miles NE of Edmonton. She was number 6 in the family of 8 girls and 4 boys. All the children were born at home with the help of a midwife. Her parents, Constantine and Maria (Fedorak), each immigrated with family members to Canada from Romania in 1898. They married in 1901. Constantine was 82 when he passed in 1964; Maria, in 1965, was 84. Helen started school at Desjarlais when she was 7, walking 3 miles roundtrip with her older sisters. She also attended Borowich School between the ages of 11-16 when she lived with her married sisters at their homes helping them with their children. Moving back home to live with her own family, Helen began Grade 9 at Boian School, but had to quit soon after because as the only student in that grade, it wasn’t taught. It was then she met Harry Svekla, in 1928, a farm boy also from a family of 12 children. After a courtship of two years going to parties and dances together and singing in the choir, they wed in 1930 at Boian Church. An adventurous and entrepreneurial couple, during their 58 years of marriage, they farmed, then owned and operated a hotel in North Battleford, SK, next moved to Bonnyville in 1947 where they bought a movie theater. After a few years Harry bought another farm and Helen bought a dress shop in town. She soon expanded her thriving fashion business into a larger store, selling dresses, skirts, blouses, nylon hose, coats, gloves, scarves and lots of beautiful hats she designed, having learned the art of millinery, too. She also completed a professional corsettier’s course to properly fit women with undergarments and she was much in demand by customers who came to her regularly for her expertise. After selling the farm and the business, they eventually moved to Winterburn in 1959, west of Edmonton, commuting to Edmonton where Harry did volunteer work and Helen worked in full and part-time jobs; filing at Alberta Health Care, a saleslady at Meadowlark Shopping Center for Zellers and Sears, doing alterations for Sweet 16. In 1971 they retired and bought a home in south Edmonton. They travelled alot, touring in England, Italy and France, flying for the first time in 1972. They holidayed in Hawaii, California, Alaska, Arizona, Nevada and the Maritimes. They both enjoyed entertaining, visiting, going to dances and playing cards. Helen eventually had to retire from a lifetime of curling, not because she couldn’t continue but because there were no more players, as they got older and quit. Helen has been a faithful member of the Romanian Orthodox Churches at Boian and Edmonton, and participated in the Ladies Auxiliaries her whole life, an active volunteer and passionate supporter. When Helen was 86 she sold her home and lived an active, independent and happy lifestyle for a dozen years at Shepherd’s Care Kensington Village, where she participated in everything – card games, floor bowling, bingo, teas, concerts, movies, shopping trips, exercise classes and special occasions. Afterwards, she moved into Capital Care Dickinsfield. Helen’s family is deeply grateful to all the dedicated and attentive staff who provided excellent care for Helen’s needs and well-being, especially those in Unit 3C. On June 21, 2012 family and friends from across Canada gathered to party with Helen in honour of her most notable occasion – her 100th birthday! Although she couldn’t hear them, she recognized and enjoyed being with everyone who loved her. The family is especially appreciative of Edward Svekla, her devoted nephew and his wife Sylvia, who always looked after his dear Aunt Helen and provided for her every need. Helen is survived by sisters-in-law Delima (Steve) Iftody and Sally (George) Iftody and several generations of loving nieces and nephews. Helen was widowed in 1987 when Harry passed at 80. She was predeceased by all her siblings and his, and these spouses: Nick (Mary Hauca), Iwana (Mike Zukiwsky), Domnica (Bill Skoreyko), Annie (George/Harry Yaroslawsky), Sadie (Nick Johnson, Bill Maciborski), George, Peter (Jessie), Alice (George Siminiuk), Steve, Katie (Kost Kelba) and Rosie (Mike Zacharuk). Her in-laws on Harry’s side include his 11 siblings and their spouses: George (Emily), Katie (Elie Basaraba), Alec (Annie), Dora (Walter Tanchuik), Nick (Mary), Lena (John Fedorkey), Charlie (Ann), Annie (John Porozni), Mary (Thomas Yurko), Mertin (Mary Chibree) and Ruby (Ted Kelba). On Thursday, February 9th between 4:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. there is an opportunity to pay your respects and see Helen during Visitation at Park Memorial Funeral Home, 9709 – 111 Avenue, Edmonton. Later on Thursday, February 9th at 7:00 p.m. Evening Prayers will be at Saints Constantine and Elena Romanian Orthodox Church, 9005-132 Avenue. Funeral Service is Friday, February 10th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Romanian Orthodox Church at Boian. In lieu of flowers, in memory of Helen, donations made be made to Boian Church, Box 14, Willingdon, AB T0B 4R0.