Obituary of Helene Inge Kmiec

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Helene Kmiec (née Stumpf), 63, in her home on December 25, 2021. Helene was born in the spring of 1958, the second of three daughters, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She had a deep love for animals and nature. As a young adult she rode and kept her own horses and there were many camping trips enjoyed with family and friends. Time was spent outdoors for as long as the weather permitted, and she always ensured there was cat and dog in the home. Helene met Zdzislaw at a social and the two married in 1985 on a beautiful summer day and together had three children. She worked hard over the years at various jobs to provide for her family – whether that be shift work, late nights, or early mornings. Most memorable was her career with Canada Post, and over several years had made some dear friends and retired in 2019. In her later years she enjoyed cruises to warm destinations, renovating her house with her husband, quietly tending to her garden, drinking coffee, reading, relaxing in the gazebo, and going for walks. Helene was enthusiastic about her German heritage and Christmas. She encouraged her children to embrace German as their second language and during the holiday season she passionately adorned her house with Christmas trees, nutcrackers, and decorations. For Helene, Christmas was celebrated on December 24th and Stille Nacht by Heintje would play when opening gifts after dinner. Helene will not be remembered for the illness that took her too soon, but for her relaxed personality, creativity (be that in sewing, crafts, clothing and jewelry style, and problem solving), adored garden, home cooked meals, baking, resourceful and helpful nature, love, and commitment to family. Helene leaves behind her loving husband of 36 years, Zdzislaw; three children, Jessica (Mike), Jeffrey (Nicole), and Corey (Marina); three granddaughters, Janina, Olivia, and Esme; her mother, Friedlinde; two sisters, Silvia Jakobs (John) and Veronica Wiebe (Wes); three nieces, Konstandina (Aris), Marianna (Panayiotis), and Haley (Josh); and three nephews, Kyle, Matt (Ashley), and Mark. She was predeceased by her father, Willi. A small, private gathering will be held with close family to celebrate her life. In lieu of sending flowers, please consider a donation in Helene’s memory to the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation.