Elena (Helen) Gerula, 89, of Stratton, Ont., passed away peacefully on Friday, Nov. 25, 2016 at La Verendrye Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont.
Elena was born Nov. 4, 1927 on the family farm in Franklin R.M., near Tolstoi, Man., to Maxym and Annie Danyleyko. At the age of 13, she left the farm and went to work in Winnipeg, Man. as a nanny until 1947.
On July 11, 1947, she was united in marriage to William (Bill) Gerula and together they settled in Dearlock, Ont. in 1947.
They built their first home at the end of Jones Road, where she cooked meals for the men who worked in the bush camp. Later, they moved to Highway 600 and built their farm, where she lived until 2013.
Helen loved to garden and would spend many hours making sure everything was just right. She also loved to cook, and was known for her perogies and cabbage rolls.
Nobody ever went away hungry when Helen was around. There always was room for one more at the table.
Helen will be remembered by her children, Brian Gerula of Stratton, Ont. and Murray (Nadine) Gerula of Rainy River, Ont.; and granddaughters, Alanna, Erika, and Christina Gerula.
She also is survived by her brothers, Morris and Dan Danyleyko; sister, Olga Danyleyko; sisters-in-law, Kay Melynchuk, Elsie Gerula, and Irene Gerula; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Helen was predeceased by her parents, Maxym and Annie Danyleyko; husband, William (Bill) Gerula; brothers, Willy and Andrew Danyleyko; sister, Pauline Wozniak (Gerula); brothers-in-law, Pete, Matt, Nick, Mike, and Harry Gerula; and sisters-in-law, Anne Carter, Mary Semeniuk, and Sophie Mydaniuk.
A service of celebration and remembrance will be held Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016 at 1 p.m. at the Northridge Funeral Home, Emo, Ont., with Rev. George Chojko-Bolec officiating.
The honourary pallbearers will be Helen’s grandchildren, Alanna, Erika, and Christina Gerula.
If desired, in memoriam donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation c/o Northridge Funeral Home, P.O. Box 89, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0.
Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com