HELENA ZOFIA KUCHARSKA, PhD

Ciocia Hela, as she was affectionately called, sadly left this world on Thursday, October 8th, 2020, to soar in another galaxy after a brave struggle at Elisabeth Bruyere Hospital in Ottawa. Ciocia was a kind, gentle and beautiful soul but also a force to be reckoned with. She touched so many lives and we will be forever grateful to have our precious memories of her.

Helena was the youngest of seven siblings born to Tadeusz and Janina Kucharska (Michalska) in Poland. Despite very hard times, she managed to obtain a PhD in Medicinal Chemistry which enabled her to enjoy a rewarding career as a Chemist in Canada and abroad.

Helena is survived by her two remaining brothers, Marian (Zofia) in Australia and Jozek (Basia) in the UK. Loving and missing her greatly are her multitude of nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews and their families in the UK, Australia and Canada. Helena had a huge Fan Club of family and friends and she cherished those relationships like the flowers in her garden. She led an extraordinary life and enjoyed many interests including spending time with family and life-long friends, travelling abroad, playing Bridge, reading Sci-Fi novels, listening to classical music, working out at the gym, skiing, tending to her beautiful garden especially her roses and raspberry crop, volunteering, Sudoku puzzles, baking goodies, hiking in the ravine, dinners at the Mandarin and most of all looking after her beloved cats who were like her children, including any stray cat that came to her door.

Helena was fiercely independent and was never afraid to take on a challenge. Her tenacity and love of life is an inspiration to all who were blessed to have known her. Ciocia Hela will be greatly missed but never forgotten.

At Helena’s request there was no visitation or funeral. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be planned at a later date.

We are very grateful to the staff at Elisabeth Bruyere Hospital for the compassionate and loving care Ciocia received.

As an expression of sympathy, our family would greatly appreciate memorial donations to be made in Helena’s honour to your favourite Animal Welfare Charity.

Rest in peace our dear Ciocia.