Helen Gallant (nee Mlynarczyk)
March 19, 1925-October 12, 2014
It is with deep sadness we announce the sudden passing of Helen Gallant in St. Joseph’s Hospital in the Comox Valley on October 12, 2014.
Helen was born near Lublin, Poland on March 19, 1925, the youngest child after seven brothers. Her parents are Stanislov and Elizabeth Mlynarczyk. She immigrated to Canada following the war and married Emil Gallant on October 27, 1956 in Mallardville. They moved to Castlegar in 1962. Emil and Helen ran a shoe repair shop for several years. Helen lived in Cranbrook from 1982 until her move to Comox Valley in June, 2014.
Helen is survived by her son Richard (Kathleen) Gallant and daughter Janet (Robert) Niedermayer, her grandchildren James (Dawn) Gallant, Erin (Roland) Gallant, Natalie (Jamil) Damji and Alexis (Nathan) Milne as well as several great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Emil in 1985.
Helen worked in a variety of jobs over her life. Her versatility, hard work and commitment served her well through some difficult years. Her family was very important to her as was her Christian faith. She was an avid gardener for many years until her failing health did not allow her to continue. Despite several chronic health issues she was able to travel to Poland with her son Richard and Kathleen. This adventure was, no doubt, a highlight in her life.
The whole family will fondly remember her famous cheesecake. There was never a meal in her home without cheesecake!
The family plans to hold a celebration of Helen’s life at a future date in Cranbrook.