Obituary of Helen McLashen

MCLASHEN - It is with great sorrow that the family of Helen McLashen announces her passing on March 29, 2024 at the age of 87 years.   Helen was born on April 12, 1936, in the Canora district.   She was the eldest daughter of Mike and Katie (Pura) Karpyk and was raised on the family farm north of Sturgis.  She attended Ajax School and the Sturgis Composite High School.   Upon graduating from high school, she attended Teachers College in Saskatoon and furthered her education by taking correspondence classes and university summer sessions.  Helen first taught at Antonio School north of Canora where she had six students, then Zukunft School north of Mikado and Shamrock School east of Yorkton.

Helen and Edward were married at St. Mary's Church in 1956.   In June of 1958 they moved to Yorkton where they raised their four daughters.  At the time, Helen thought it was important to stay home and raise her family, therefore she didn't return to teaching until the girls were grown.  She did however work part time alongside Ed at McGavins Bakery where Ed was the manager.    Helen taught at St. Alphonsus, St. Paul's and most of her years were spent at St. Mary's from where she retired in 1999.  Helen was very proud and dedicated to her profession, and spent many evenings and weekends preparing lessons and bulletin boards.  She frequently remarked how fortunate she was to have two careers - that of full time mom and a teaching profession that she dearly loved.  

Helen was a faithful and dedicated member of St. Mary's church.   She was a long time member (over 50 years) of the Ukrainian Catholic Women's League, and spent many hours volunteering  at St Mary's Cultural Center.  She volunteered for Meals On Wheels and the Canadian Cancer Society.  She was dedicated to the work of the Breast Cancer Support Group having been a member herself.    She was also a member of the Superannuated Teachers Association.  

Helen enjoyed travelling, with her favourite destinations being Europe, Hawaii, Mexico, Dominican Republic and Cuba.  Other highlights included several cruises and bus trips throughout Canada and the United States.  

One of Helen’s passions was gardening and tending to her flowers, both of which were her sanctuary.  Another passion of hers was exercise, taking daily walks and participating in Aquasize for over twenty years.  Mom spent many hours at her sewing machine when we were younger, creating matching identical outfits for us!  Her greatest love was spending time in the kitchen, especially preparing our favourite Ukrainian dishes.   

Helen was predeceased by her father and mother Mike & Katie Karpyk, husband Edward, sisters Iris Karpyk, Elsie Karpyk and brother David Karpyk.  She was also predeceased by her beloved grandson Corey McLashen.

Helen is survived by daughters Cathryn (Brad) Styan, Darci McLashen, Patricia Stevens and Carol McLashen.  Baba is lovingly remembered by her grandchildren Michael and Trevor (Paige) Styan, Hunter and Cameron Stevens, and precious great-grandchildren Liv, Cole and Andi Styan.  She will also be sadly missed by her last surviving sibling, brother Elgin (Verna) Karpyk and family.  Lastly Helen will be fondly remembered by her nieces and nephews on the McLashen (Michalishen) side.  

The McLashen family wishes to express their sincere gratitude for your expressions of sympathy and kindness.

Prayer Service was held on Wednesday, April 3^rd at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in Yorkton. The rosary  led by UCWLC preceded the prayers. The Funeral Liturgy was held on Thursday, April 4^th at St. Mary’s Church with Rev. Father Ivan Simko as the Celebrant. The responses were led by Laurie Fedorowich and choir members. The cross bearer was Trevor Baker and the epistle reader was  Hunter Stevens. Members of the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League participated in an honor guard. The interment followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery Aidan Michalishen, Cameron Stevens, Logan Michalishen, Hunter Stevens, Glenn Michalishen and Trevor Styan serving as casket bearers. Tributes were given by daughters, Cathy and Darci. 

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society or St. Mary’s Church Building Fund. Condolences to the family can be posted at baileysfuneralhome.com

Xpuctoc Bockpec – Christ is Risen!