Helen (Rystephanuk) Maluk

Helen Maluk Obituary

In the early morning hours of August 2nd, with her family by her side, Helen Maluk [Rystephanuk] peacefully passed away in the Sandy Lake personal care home. She was 94 years of age. Born on March 2nd, 1925 to Steve and Anne [Lewandoski] Rystephanuk, she was the oldest of seven children, and began her early years on the family farm about seven miles south of Sandy Lake

Helen began her education at Mount Calm school and attended high school in Sandy Lake. She then went to Winnipeg where she was employed by a clothing manufacturing company and grocery wholesale distributing house for 3 years. Helen then returned to Sandy Lake in 1944 to be the bookkeeper at the Sandy Lake cooperative store.

In October of 1946 Helen married returned sailor and Sandy Lake postmaster Eugene Maluk. They were blessed with 5 children. Unfortunately, one passed soon after birth.  Rosanne, Timothy, Wesley and Debra, were very fortunate to be raised by a beautiful, caring Mom. One in possession of the utmost love and patience. They were taught many valuable lessons, most importantly of all to be kind.

As well as being a wife and mother, Helen helped her husband Eugene in the post office and belonged to many committee organizations throughout her life. Helen was a charter and life member of the Sandy Lake Lady’s Auxiliary until her passing, and was very active in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Saint Michaels in Sandy Lake. She was also instrumental in the making of the Sandy Lake history book ”Our Roots” in 1983.

Helen had a wonderful personality and touched the lives of all who knew her.  The love of music and singing was something she shared with husband Eugene, and they passed that love down to their children. She was always willing to go out of her way to make someone’s life a little brighter and will be missed by many. 

Helen was predeceased by her husband Eugene, sister Pearl Mendro, brothers Jack, Lawrence, Ernie and Peter. She is survived by her brother Melvin, her daughters Rosanne and Debra, and sons Timothy with wife Dorothy as well as Wesley with wife Terry. Helen leaves behind grandchildren Stan, Tom, Louis, Sarah, and great granddaughter Emmy.

The funeral service was held on Wednesday, August 7, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. from St. Michael’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Sandy Lake with Fr. Mel Slashinsky officiating.  Interment followed in the Sandy Lake Municipal Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sandy Lake Endowment Fund or the Sandy Lake Legion Ladies Auxiliary Branch 184.

To our mother and Baba, our lives have been, and shall be forevermore richer for your presence. Your memory will always be in our hearts.

Vichnaya Pam’Yat