Helen Holmquist

1930-2013 "An angel on earth - now has her wings". The family of Helen Mary Holmquist is greatly saddened to announce the passing of their beloved mother, sister, grandmother, great grandmother and aunt after a lengthy illness on Thursday, February 14, 2013; Valentine's Day. She passed away peacefully at her home in the P.R. Cooke apartments. Born on April 10, 1930 in Port Arthur, Helen was a longtime resident of Current River. She started work in retail then went on to work as an assistant in the pharmacy of Barney Aris, Friday's Drugstore and Jamie Crooks ending her career at Shopper's Home Health Care while continuing to raise her family. Helen was a member of Current River United Church and Port Arthur Legion Branch 5. She participated in many activities in her residence and was loved by all who knew her because of her kind, caring nature and positive attitude. Helen is survived by her four children Bill, Linda (John Gagnon), Tom (Deb), and Gary (Denise). She is also survived by 20 grandchildren Sharon Rancourt (Al), Robb Holmquist (Robyn), Billy Joe Holmquist (Jen), Chad Holmquist, Crystal Holmquist (Henry), Jessica Holmquist, Denise Simpson, Curtis Gagnon (Lana), Ryan Gagnon (Stephanie), Jon Gagnon, Stacey McIver (Derrick), Tina Munson, Brad Holmquist (Trish), Tom Jr. Holmquist (Roxanne), Kevin Holmquist (Chelsea), Marina Holmquist (Aaron), Paulina Holmquist, April Abbott (Matt), Stephen Holmquist (Laura) and Gregg Holmquist. She was blessed to have 26 great grandchildren and also leaves behind sisters Stella Gigliotti and Betty Shubaly, sisters in law Stella Graham and Marjorie Enstrom (Alf) and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends. Helen was predeceased by her parents William and Josephine Paskaluk, her husband Robert Holmquist in 1990, one daughter Susan and one son Theodore in infancy, her partner Ollie Johnson in 2002 and her friend Calvin Freese in 2010. As per her wishes cremation has taken place. A memorial service for family and friends will be held at Current River United Church at 1:00 pm on Thursday, February 21st with Rev. Joyce Fergus-Moore officiating. Visitation will take place one hour prior to service and interment will be held at a later date. If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 5, or a charity of your choice. Helen leaves behind her gentle spirit to warm our hearts forever. "