KIPERCHUK, Helen (1926-2023)
If you were either a newspaper editor or a Canadian politician within the last 50 years, you *probably* got a strongly-worded letter (or three) from Helen Kiperchuk (nee Kostaszek). Born in Lachine, Quebec, on May 17, 1926 to Ukrainian immigrants Demeter and Bronislava (Broni), Helen grew up to be a powerful community voice, incredibly civic-minded and unwavering in her convictions until her final day. There really aren’t enough terms to describe the diversity of her life and career, but here are a few: writer, humanist, General Semanticist, activist, Sir George Williams University alumni, magazine editor, radio show host, producer, publicist, mother, grandmother, and wife.
This isn’t Helen’s first time making the daily paper. Over her lifetime, she was deeply ‘in the news’, becoming one of the public faces championing abortion rights in Canada alongside Dr. Henry Morgentaler. She served as Editor of Humanist in Canada Magazine, worked the advertising beat at the Montreal Gazette, hosted an issue-driven radio show out of Chateauguay, penned pieces as a freelance journalist for countless publications, and was a major player in the General Semantics society in Montreal — the last of which she was especially proud.
Helen had an ongoing appreciation for good books, and groundbreaking Canadian thinkers and gamechangers like Eric Wesselow and Sam Bois. On a simpler level, she loved horses, corn on the cob, all of her beloved cats (especially Meetzi), and being reminded of her uncanny likeness to her idol Elizabeth Taylor. While the greatest love of her life was indeed writing, her biggest challenge was finding enough time to do it.
She will also be remembered for her soprano-like laugh, her catchphrase “You’re kidding!”, and the way she would teach her grandchildren new words like « magnanimous », and inspire in them a love of arts and literature that they carry with them to this day.
Helen spent her retirement years with her husband on a breathtaking farm outside of Brockville, enjoying the flowers, birds, and natural beauty of the landscape. She passed away surrounded by loved ones, just two months shy of her 97th birthday — just like her beloved Tato. Predeceased by her husband of 55 years Nazareth Kiperchuk, daughter Daria, and son David, Helen is survived by her children Danny (Wendy), Dale (Anil), Daryl, Daphne (Daniel), and Damon, her brother Leonard,and many grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbours who will find it difficult to forget this memorable woman.
The family would like to thank Dr. Bourassa and his team at Valleyfield Hospital for their monumental efforts and the kindness they showed Helen under difficult circumstances. In lieu of flowers and in honour of her Ukrainian heritage, donations to the Ukrainian Canadian Advocacy Group’s Rehabilitation Program for the Children of Fallen Heroes, or the Humanitarian Appeal established by the Canada-Ukraine Foundation and the Ukrainian Canadian Congress — in Helen’s name — would be appreciated.
Catherine and Bryan Lounsbury says
Deepest condolences to the family for their loss.
Francesco Caporuscio says
Damon my deepest condolences. Now I know where you got your strengths. Wow what a lady. Stay strong my friend
Steve Bartha says
Dear Damon,
During this time of loss, please accept our heartfelt condolences for the passing of your Mother.
The fact that you were able to be with your Mom during her final moments is special indeed.
Wishing you and your family courage, strength and healing.
from Grace Sandaluck, Steve Bartha and family.
Gabrielle Korf says
Daphne and Danny, Mike and I offer our deepest sympathies for your loss.
I only knew Helen in the latter years and will remember her as a sharp witted, smart, strong woman who would not be swayed. She had an amazing life.
May she rest in peace.
leonard kostaszek says
To all the children
Please accept my deepest condolences. I will miss my sister very much.
Len
Bruce Falkner says
The Kiperchuk Family,
Deanna and I are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of your mother. Losing a loved one is not easy and we share in your pain and sorrow.
Your mom was an incredible person. A very caring woman who raised a wonderful family. She was always welcoming, loving, and supportive, and her loss is felt by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
May your mother rest in peace and may you all find comfort and strength in the memories of the wonderful times you shared together.
Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
Bruce and Deanna Falkner
Marylen Reniers Ruff says
Dear Helen family,
I want to offer my very deepest condolences for your loss.
I got to know her in the past 3 years and she will always be in my heart.
She was very special , the most memorable woman that I ever met. I enjoyed every moments that I spent with her.
She was very intelligent and she had great convictions, passion,sense of humor,a unique laugh and a deep love for her family, horses,cats,dogs,writing,politic,human rights. She believed in education and she fought for everything that was right and important for her. She had a great sense of justice and her mind was very sharp. It was an immense privilege to get to know such an amazing woman, one to never forget and to love forever .
JOHANNE BEAULIEU says
Daphne and your family, our deepest condolences on the passing of your mother.
Johanne B. and Pierre C.
Jean-Pierre Bérubé says
All our condolences to you Daphne, and all your loved ones !
Jean-Pierre Bérubé et Josette Laflamme