Obituary of Helen Dobrowolski

Obituary for Helen Dobrowolski   August 8,1931 – March 6, 2022

A beloved mother is forever remembered.  It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our mother Helen Dobrowolski.  Mom passed away peacefully on March 6, 2022, in her home surrounded by her children.

Born in Woodhill, Sask., on August 8, 1931, to parents Edward and Dora McCarron, she spent her wonder filled childhood on the dairy farm as a middle child surrounded by her 5 sisters and 1 older brother.  She was an exceptional leader and a responsible farm hand.  Her fondest memories were the cow milking sing-alongs she shared with her sisters every morning before school.  Mom married her great love and best friend, John Dobrowolski in August 1952 and they were married for 62 years.  Four children came along, taking their sweet time, Veronica, Greg, Sally and Judy.

Helen distinguished herself among her peers by becoming a working mom in the ‘60s.  She started as a retail clerk in the Dawson Creek Kresge store and then was hired to be the manager of the local Simpson Sears store, one of the few female managers in all of Canada.  Mom loved her work at Sears and retired after 19 years in 1987 to have the time to travel and camp across Canada and beyond with her husband John, tend to her beautiful flower gardens and spend all of her time loving and spoiling the 12 grandchildren in her life.  Nothing gave her more pleasure, or more pride, than loving those beautiful grandchildren!  She also made time to join a local line dancing group, take up causes like championing for Chamberlain Nature Park, or keeping in touch with friends and family all across Canada.

Helen was predeceased by her husband John; her parents Ed and Dora; her siblings Jim, Ann, Bridget, and Nellie.  She is survived by and lovingly remembered by her daughter Veronica (Dave) Shannon, son Greg (Monica) Dobrowolski, daughter Sally (Tim) Schilds, daughter Judy (Paul Whitehead) Dobrowolski; 12 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; sisters Florence and Hazel as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Forever in our hearts, she will be truly missed. 

“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.”

Irish proverb

A private Funeral Mass will be held and Helen will be interred beside her loving husband in Brookside Cemetery. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Helen to the South Peace Hospice Palliative Care Society, #3-929-106 Avenue, Dawson Creek, British Columbia V1G 2N9, 

Donations may be made via e-deposit at Lake View Credit Union

sphpcs.give@pris.ca   Contact information and address are required if you wish to receive a charitable donation receipt.

Very Respectfully, Reynars Funeral Home and Crematorium.