Obituary of Helena KOROPCZAK

Helena Koropczak (nee Michalczyk) of Calgary passed away on December 23, 2011 at the age of 85. “Babcia” will be lovingly remembered as hardworking and committed to her family, with a spirited sense of humour. Born in Rogi, Poland, Helena survived the Nazi occupation as a teenage girl – in one instance hiding in a field of potatoes as soldiers marauded her village. After the war, she married Jan Habrat (since deceased) and had four children: Krystyna Hejnar (Kazimierz), Wieslawa Ho Lem, Wojciech Habrat, and Walus Habrat (deceased as a newborn). Helena grew most of her family’s own food and made a living for her family as a chef at a technical school. In 1976, Helena moved to Brooks, Alberta where she married Ted Koropczak, who passed away the following year. Her children also settled in the Calgary-area as Helena nurtured a flourishing garden, canning and preserving much of her food. Over the years, Helena’s family grew with many grandchildren who cherished their time with Babcia: Marcin (Darlene), Joanna, Robert, Christopher, Claudia (Ben), Kevin (Kerri), and Candice; and great-grandchildren: Lucas, Maiya, Nathaniel, and Rivers.