Helene WINSTON

WINSTON, Helene
Died peacefully at the Motion Picture Home, Woodland Hills, California, on March 6, 2004, after a long illness. Helene, the youngest daughter of the late Bertha and Montefiore Winston, was born and raised in Winnipeg. She was predeceased by her husbands, Nate Bershadsky and John Steiner, sister Evelyn Bursten, and brother Sid Winston. She is survived by her sister, Marion (Billie) Edelman (Linden, NJ), her sister-in-law and brother, Mamie and Arthur Winston (Toronto), a niece, nephews and step-children.
Helene was an actress and poet. Her acting career took her from the garages of Winnipeg to Toronto, New York, Los Angeles, most other North American theatrical centres and the Edinburgh Festival. Her career encompassed radio, stage, television, and film. Helene appeared at the Stratford Festival in its early years, and she was a prominent and frequent face on CBC Television during the 1950s and early 1960s.
After an active career in Canada, Helene made her Broadway debut in 'Milk and Honey'. After touring with this production, Helene moved to Los Angeles. She appeared in many Hollywood films, including the cult classic 'A Boy and His Dog'. She also acted in countless television series. In 1974, Helene returned to Toronto to star as Gladys King in CBC's hit comedy series, 'King of Kensington'.
Helene was a prize winning poet and did readings of her poetry in LA, Winnipeg and Toronto. She was a beloved wife, sister, aunt, and friend, an avid and enthusiastic bridge and poker player, and a real trouper.
A celebration of Helene's life will take place in Toronto at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Performing Arts Lodges, The Actors' Fund, or a charity of your choice.

'Our revels now are ended.
These our actors,
As I foretold you, were
all spirits and
Are melted into air...'