It is with much love and sadness that we share the news of the passing of our mother, Helen Kain. Helen passed away peacefully in Souris with her family by her side on December 29, 2023. She is survived by Debra Kain of Souris, Manitoba, and Leah Kain (husband Michael Hansen) from Sarasota Florida, USA.
Helen May Kain was born to Stan and Jessie (Waterman) Brown in Souris on September 14, 1927, one of three children. Helen was pre-deceased by her beloved husband W. John Kain in 2003 and her brothers Arthur in 1986 and Claire in 2017.
Helen grew up on the farm in the RM of Glenwood. She and her brother Art attended Lily school arriving by horse and buggy. She completed her high school in Souris, graduating in 1946. After graduation, Helen taught on permit at Glenvale School for one year before going to Central Normal School in Winnipeg. There she excelled at softball, basketball, dancing, and academics and developed some lifelong friends.
After graduation, Helen returned to Southwest Manitoba to teach at Powerville School. She boarded with Amy and Basil Hillis who became forever friends. To the date of her death, she kept in touch with former students.
Helen married W. John Kain on October 28, 1953, becoming an integral part of the Kain farm at Chater and lived there for the next 50 years, becoming a valued member of the community. She was a member of the local church, taught 4H and substitute taught at Chater School. Her two daughters were born in 1956 (Debra) and 1958 (Leah).
Helen was an active farm wife, milking dairy cows, baling hay and straw, driving the combine as well as providing meals for many hired hands and farm workers. She loved to read, write poetry, garden, and watch the many birds that landed on her windowsill.
Eventually, Helen and John sold the dairy quota and moved to cow calf and grain farming. John had an interest in Real Estate and they both took their real estate exams. John became the Broker and Helen was the Office Manager as they successfully operated John Kain Realty for many years.
Helen and John loved to travel. They took trips to England, Scotland, Jamaica, and Costa Rica. They purchased a fifth wheel, travelling across Canada and north to Alaska.
John passed away January 15, 2003. Helen stayed on the farm for the next nine years, adopting her best friend Tucker, a spicy border collie. Helen and her daughters travelled to Ireland, the Mediterranean, Eastern Canada, and the Panama Canal. For over 15 years Helen spent part of each winter in Florida with Leah and Mike.
In 2011, Helen and Tucker retired to Souris, residing at the Old Mill Estates. There she enjoyed the company of many old friends, happy hours, and long walks in the park. Helen enjoyed one last lovely Christmas Day in 2023 with her family prior to her passing at the age of 96.
Many thanks from the family to Dr. Cram and the caring Prairie Mountain Health Homecare staff, all who made it possible for Helen to remain in her own home until her passing.
Celebration of Helen’s Life was held at St. Paul’s United Church, Souris, Manitoba on Wednesday May 1,2024. Interment at Chater Cemetery. If so desired, donations in memory of Helen may be made to Funds for Furry Friends or a charity of your choice.
To view the service please click here
Our most sincere sympathy on the loss of your mom. Over the years we had the pleasure of getting to know Helen. She was a sharp lady and she loved to hear how the crops were doing. Rest in peace. Condolences from all my family. Ardelle, Brooks and Hilary.
We send our sympathy and support to Helen’s family. She was Allan’s birthday twin and country neighbour. Hold her memories close Debra.
Sandi, Trevor and family
Debra, I was so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I know how special she was to you, and how much you will miss her. No matter how old we are, it’s never easy to lose a parent. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve.
So sorry to hear about your Mom, Deb. Sending you condolences and know you have great memories to hold onto. Grace, Mabel, and your Mom enjoyed many “Normal School” memories and reunions and it held them together in a friendship that lasted many years!!
My sincere sympathy to Debra,Leah and families. May your memories fill your hearts with love and joy that she shared with you.
Condolences to Deb and Leah .
I have many fond memories of our times spent at the Kane family farm in Chater .
Thinking of you both at this sad time.
Helen was such a super lady. Cherish the memories.
Sending our love and condolences at this very difficult time.
Forsyth family-Calgary AB
Deb and Leah, so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. Sending our sincerest condolences to you all. There are many good memories of the neighbours “across the tracks”
Our deepest sympathy to Debra and Leah. Your mom Helen was an incredible lady and will be dearly missed. “Wherever a beautiful soul has been; beautiful memories remain.”
Cherish all those beautiful memories.
Your mom lived her life well. She also loved dogs and in my world that made her a great lady. My most heartfelt condolences Deborah. Take care
Our deepest condolences to Deb and Leah on the passing of their Mom. Helen was a wonderful woman who became an extension of our family. She boarded at my Grandparents when she taught school, was my Dads first teacher and in fact attended my Dads 75th Birthday celebration 4 years ago. She was part of our family. Rest well Helen.
Sincerely,
Valerie (Hillis) Gallinger & family.
Debra and Leah, sending our deepest sympathy. Our parents were such good friends. Our moms went back a long time with many happy memories. She was a great support when our mom struggled with Alzheimer’s..
That’s special that Helen was able to remain in her own home.
To Helen’s girls’. Our sincere condolences and you will keep the memories of your Mom in your heart forever She was my teacher for 3 yrs at Powerville School north of Brandon. The school was on our farm actually. Miss Brown was a wonderful teacher.
Take care Hugs from Marlene Robins. ( Smith)