Helen Papaz

MRS. HELEN PAPAZ of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Mirko ""Mike"" Papaz, passed away peacefully in her sleep at the Edith Cavell Care Centre on Monday, June 6, 2011 at the age of 86 years.

Helen is survived by her loving niece Tania Huk (Steve), her sister-in-law Nada Koreshenkov, and by her great nephews William and Nicholas Huk and their families. She was predeceased by her mother, Anastasia Koreshenkov, her husband Mike Papaz, and her brother, Boris Koreshenkov.

Helen was born in Zemun, Serbia on May 3, 1925. She was educated in an expatriate Russian boarding school. Having survived difficult times during the Second World War, in 1951 she immigrated to the Lethbridge area where she subsequently met and married Mike. For several years, Helen was the owner and proprietor of the ""Lovely Lady"" beauty salon. She and Mike worked diligently, enjoyed socializing with family and friends, and spent many vacations in warmer climates.

From an early age, Helen lived a life ravaged by rheumatoid arthritis and heart disease, both of which she endured with great courage, grace and a wonderful sense of humour. She amazed medical specialists with her optimistic spirit, determination, and her ability to adapt to the limitations imposed by her ill health. She was a remarkable woman who will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by her family and friends.

Helen's family wish to thank the staff and nurses at Columbia Assisted Living and the Edith Cavell Centre for their compassionate care, and for the support they extended to family members. We wish to express our very special thanks to Nadya Wasilenko for her many visits, selfless friendship and loving care during the time when Helen needed it the most.

Prayers will be held at 7:30 pm on Sunday, June 12, 2011 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4th Street South, Lethbridge, led by the Very Reverend Father Taras Krochak.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, June 13, 2011 at the HOLY TRINITY ORTHODOX CHURCH, 643 13 Street North, Lethbridge, with the Very Reverend Father Taras Krochak, officiating.

Interment at Mountain View Cemetery.

Those who wish, donations in Helen's memory may be made to the Arthritis Society, 200, 1301 8th Street SW, Calgary, AB T2R 1B7.