Obituary
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Helen at the age of 52, after a brave battle with cancer. She died at home, with family at her side and her son, a gifted musician, comforting and serenading her with his soothing music. Beloved wife and best friend of Nick for over 31 years and loving mother of Steven. Predeceased by her mother, Violetta Kalmykow in December 2020, Helen will be lovingly remembered by her father, Mikolaj Kalmykow, brother Paul (Janet) as well as sisters Julie (Marek), Sandra (Craig) and the family’s faithful dog Mika. Helen will also be missed by her nieces and nephews Katrina (Andrew), Benjamin, Eric (Melinda), Thomas (Courtney), Andrew, Matthew, Michael (Tanya), Stephanie (Jason), Samantha, Alex (Dan) as well as grand nephews and nieces Jacob, Memphis, Monroe and Logan, and many in-laws, aunts, cousins and friends.
As the baby of the family, Helen was doted upon by her siblings and parents when she was growing up in the family home in Rexdale. She enjoyed trips to the beach and hanging out with her friends. As a twelve-year old, she embarked on big trip to Italy and England with her parents and her sister Sandra. She saw the sights and met family and friends from the countries in which her parents had met and lived. She attended Fr. Henry Carr High School, and when she graduated, decided to immediately join the work force to make her way into the world.
Helen enjoyed a successful career as an insurance broker before founding her own business, Princess Fabulosa. Helen was an associate member of the Weston Golf and Country Club, where she enjoyed many social events and where she and Nick hosted many joyous family occasions. As well as raising a family, Helen appreciated visits to cottages and regular trips south during the winter. She enjoyed life and always put her family first.
Helen always made it a priority to be involved in many cancer charitable fund raisers for research, awareness and treatment.
The family wishes to thank the oncology team at Credit Valley Hospital for their care and support, as well as individual thanks to nurse Agnes and PSW Ruth.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to CIBC Run for the Cure, the Toronto Humane Society, or a charity of your choice.
Due to the current pandemic restrictions and under direction from our regulator, the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, effective November 23, 2020 all funerals and visitations will be by invitation only to limit the number of people in attendance and prevent the spread of COVID-19. Thank you for your understanding.
