Obituary

KOWALSKI, Helen Jeanette (née Burbella) - It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dear mother, Helen, on December 15th, 2023 at the age of 90. She was predeceased by her husband of 53 years (Peter Kowalski) and her parents Nykola and Antonina Burbella, her brother Michael Robert Burbella and her brother-in-law Ted. She will be sadly missed by her sister, Lesia Swenerton, in B.C. Our mom grew up in downtown Toronto and met and married our dad in 1950. They had a loving life together raising four children…Bob (Cheryl), Debbie (Robert), Jim (Sheri) and Susanne.  Mom loved being a mother but adored being Babcha to Jordan, Jessye, Shelly, Shanti and Cassandra and was thrilled when she became a GG (great-grandmother), a life long goal of hers.  Mom’s interests were varied and while she loved her family most of all she also loved music, dancing, traveling, reading, writing, baking, knitting & crocheting, mahjong, bingo, her pets and yoga. She was a girl guide leader for many years and had her own microwave cooking school in Toronto in the 70’s. Throughout her life she remained a diehard Leafs fan and could be heard (loudly) encouraging ‘her’ Leafs whenever CBC had a game on. She was also an active member of Beta Sigma Phi, the Markham Seniors Centre, the Markham District Veterans Association and the Markham Tim Hortons. She will be missed by all who knew her kindness, her smile and her keen sense of humour. The family will receive friends at Cardinal Funeral Home, Annette Street location in Toronto, Ontario on Friday December 22nd, 2023 from 10-11am with service to follow from 11-11:30.  A private family internment will follow. 
As an expression of sympathy, and in lieu of flowers, donations to the Markham District Veterans Association would be appreciated by the family. 

Visitation

Date
December 22, 2023
Location
Cardinal Funeral Homes, 92 Annette Street
Time
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Service

Date
December 22, 2023
Location
Cardinal Funeral Homes, 92 Annette Street Chapel
Time
11:00 AM

Burial

Date
December 22, 2023
Location
Park Lawn Cemetery
Time
12:00 PM
Memo

By request of the family, the burial will be held in private. The burial time is an estimate.

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December 20, 2023
Alicia Wright and Ali Booth
We are are so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother Suzanne and of Jessye’s Babcha. Although we did not know her personally, I feel that I got to know her spirit through the stories you would share with me. I could truly feel all the love you shared for each other. I am thinking of you all and sending my deepest condolences.
December 19, 2023
Nancy Murphy
Our deepest sympathies to Susanne Jessye and Shanti. Although we didn't know her well she seemed to be a wonderful person.
December 19, 2023
Susanne
Thank you mom for being a trailblazer, an incredible role model and an amazing mom, Babcha and friend. We will miss you so much, but we know you are always with us. We love you💞