Proksa, Helena

PROKSA, Helena - In Loving Memory of Helena Proksa. It is with great sadness that the Proksa family announces the passing of Helena Proksa (nee Wlodarska) at the St. Joseph's Health Centre on Dec. 29, 2009. Helena was born on April 8th, 1926 in Pabianice, Poland. Her childhood was interrupted by the outbreak of World War II and at the age of 13, she was taken from her family home and placed in a work internment camp in southern Germany with other young women, several of whom would become life-long friends. Helena emigrated to Canada in 1948, initially settling in Montreal where she met Viktor Kenneth Proksa (predeceased 1999) and they were married on Sept. 15, 1951. They moved to Sudbury and nurtured a warm and happy family life with their three children. Helena was a kind, gentle and generous woman who touched the lives of many people. She was an extraordinarily giving and loyal friend to many. She belonged to Saint Casimir's Roman Catholic Church and was a member of the Polish Combattant's Association. Her Polish background was important to her and she faithfully celebrated her cultural heritage. She was employed by the Sudbury Board of Education for many years. Helena was a member of the Sudbury Horticultural Society and tended a lovely garden. Her children and grandchildren will be forever blessed by her grace, courage and loving and caring nature. Helena's children include Richard and wife Vasilia (Larnaca, Cyprus), Barbara and husband Douglas (Calgary, Alberta), Janet and husband Alan (Barrie, Ontario). Her grandchildren are Julia, William, Michael and Andrew. She is also survived by her sister Dorotka and niece Christine (Cowansville, Quebec) and endearing friends. The family would like to acknowledge the compassionate care provided by the staff at St. Joseph's 2BC and Laurentian Hospital 4th floor. Resting at the JACKSON & BARNARD FUNERAL HOME, 233 Larch St., Sudbury. Funeral Mass in St. Casimir's Church, 210 Paris St., Sudbury, Saturday, January 2nd, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. Prayers at 7 p.m. Interment in the Civic Memorial Cemetery, Sudbury. In lieu of flowers donations to St. Casimir's Church will be appreciated. (Friends may call 2-5 & 7-9 p.m. Friday) To light a memorial candle, donations or messages of condolences available on-line at www.lougheed.org