It is with extreme sadness that we announce the passing of Helen Sylvia Laliberte, Sunday, November 27, 2011 at her residence on Opaskwayak Cree Nation, Manitoba, at the age of 61 years. Remaining to forever cherish Helen’s infectious spirit are; her role model and great love of her life, her mother Victoria Cook; her partner Allan Constant “Lumoo”; children Les Michell (Esther) and their children (OCN), Wes Cook (Janet) and their children (OCN), Melvin Michell (Thompson, MB), Darcy Laliberte (Daveian) and their children (Roblin, MB), and Barry Laliberte (Calgary, AB); great granddaughter Amiya Lynn; siblings Sarah Cook, James Cook, Gladys Richards, Val Cook, Karen Cook (Dominique), Chris Cook, Leona Cook (Nikki) and Darrell Cook (Holly); aunts Clara Lagace, Victoria Grymonprez, Priscilla Cook, Irene Cook; uncle John Zuk; numerous nieces and nephews; and all of her colleagues and special friends at OCN Home Care and Otineka Mall VLT’s. Helen was predeceased by her father Fred Cook (1971); sister Rose Sinclair (2002); maternal grandparents Cyril and Sophia Grymonprez; paternal grandparents David and Helen Cook; and several aunts and uncles. Helen was born Thursday, January 12, 1950 in The Pas, Manitoba to Fred and Victoria Cook. Helen completed her early education at Big Eddy School before moving to Guy Hill Residential School where she completed her senior years. She met Joe Michell shortly after and together they raised their three boys; Leslie, Wesley and Melvin at Clearwater Lake, Manitoba. After Joe’s passing, Helen returned to Opaskwayak Cree Nation. She met Bernard Laliberte and soon after they married and resided in San Clara, Manitoba. While raising their two boys, Darcy and Barry, her natural abilities for baking, cooking and gardening emerged. She loved to garden with grandma Laliberte and their fresh vegetables and fruits were shared with everyone. Visits to San Clara often started with fresh bread and homemade jams, followed by delicious meals harvested from the garden. To know Helen was to know a cheerful and loveable spirit like no other. No occasion was too small for a handsome pair of earrings and nice outfits, whether it was St. Patrick’s Day, Halloween or her favorite time of year, Christmas. It is within this spirit, that we ask you to embrace this holiday season in memory of our dear mother, grandmother daughter, sister, auntie, cousin and friend. A wake service was held Friday, December 2, 2011 at the Margaret Henderson Parish Hall, Church of the Redeemer, Opaskwayak Cree Nation, Manitoba. The funeral service for Helen was held Saturday, December 3, 2011, 1:00 pm at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Cathedral, The Pas, Manitoba with Rev. Jack Herklotz presiding. Music ministry was provided by Mike Jebb Jr.. Memories of the heart were shared by Helen’s sister Karen Cook. A scripture reading was proclaimed by Helen’s brother Chris Cook. Interment followed at St. Michael and All Angels Cemetery, Opaskwayak Cree Nation, Manitoba. Active Pallbearers were Wes Cook, Darcy Laliberte, Les Michell, Barry Laliberte, Curtis Constant, Melvin Michell, Darrell Cook and Raymond Burns Sr.. Honorary Pallbearers are the OCN VLT Staff and the OCN Home Care Staff. Honor Guard were the Opaskwayak Home and Community Care Staff. If friends so desire, donations to a charity of choice, would be appreciated by Helen’s family.