Mrs. Helen Ogrodnick of Yorkton passed away on March 5, 2014 at the Yorkton & District Nursing Home. She was 91 years of age. Helen was born on July 30, 1922 in Vonda, SK to parents Warwara and Mikita Shawaga. Helen's parents moved to Weekes, SK in 1927 where her childhood was spent on a homestead. Helen attended Dunwell School where she achieved her Grade 10. On June 18, 1944 Helen was united in marriage to Paul Ogrodnick. They resided on a family farm and in 1947 they began operation of a General Store in Stornoway which they ran for 20 more years. In 1948, Paul and Helen were blessed with a son Edward. Edward was his mother's pride and joy. During their years in the store, Paul and Helen truly enjoyed all the fun antics everyone played on each other, sitting around a wood/coal heater passing the winter months away. In 1967, they relocated to Yorkton where they resided on Sixth Avenue. Edward passed away on January 26, 2000 and Paul passed away suddenly on May 28, 2006. Helen`s world shattered with the loss of her two loved ones; but, with assistance, was able to remain in her residence until April 12, 2012 when she fractured her hip. She could not manage on her own and was placed in Ituna Nursing Home and then transferred to Yorkton Village Morris House. Helen loved her music (especially Paul playing the violin), dancing and her TV favourite show was the "Old Time Dance Party". Helen was an avid gardener growing all her own vegetables and was the first one to have lettuce in the spring. She was especially proud of her multi-colored roses growing along her house. In her younger days, Helen loved doing crafts - sewing aprons and cushions, making flowers from crepe paper and foam sheets and the list goes on. She was also joined by her husband who loved working with wood and metals. Helen is survived by her sister Mary Robinson in Prince George BC, her brother William Shawaga from The Pas, MB and a number of nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents Warwara and Mikita, husband Paul, son Edward, brother Fred Shawaga, sister Jean Gamble and sister Annie Yaholnitsky. The Funeral Service was held on Saturday, March 15, 2014 at Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Rev. Ken Buchan officiating. Musical Selections, "Heaven's Now My Home" and "Amazing Grace" were included in the service. A eulogy was conveyed by Elvina Rumak. The interment took place in the Garden of Crucifixion at Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Ernie Rumak, Lonnie Rumak, Steve Kozie, Vera Gross, Jackie Patterson and Sharon Anderson serving as the casket bearers. Memorials honouring Helen's life may be made to the Activity Department at Yorkton & District Nursing Home. Condolences may be sent to the family at baileysfuneralhome.com.
