Forever in our Hearts ..
Those we love don’t go away
They walk beside us everyday,
Unseen, unheard but always near
Still loved, still missed
and very dear.
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Helen Mitrenga (Shuflita) on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, at the age of 90.
Mom was born on Jan. 6, 1935, to Joseph and Pearl Shuflita; she was the oldest of six children (Helen, John Shuflita, Peter Shuflita, Elsie Fullerton, Nellie Wilde, Mike Shuflita).
Mom moved from her home in Fenwood to Melville to work at the young age of 16. Shortly after, she met the love of her life, Edwin Mitrenga, and on June 2, 1955, they were united in marriage. They were blessed with three children: son Robert (Kim) – Brandi; Kelsey (Reggie), Andin, Adleigh; Justin (Nikki); son Wesley (Lee) – Sheena (Dustin), Talan; Crystal (Ryan), Alia, Griffin; Troy (son Maverick); daughter Christine (Linus) – Jennifer (Kevin), Ryan, Finley; Mitchell (Karly), Micah, Keterah, Jaiden, Layton, Octavia; Christopher (Jessica) Hazely, Felix.
Mom and Dad farmed on the Mitrenga homestead for the next 52 years. Mom not only raised a family but also enjoyed having a large garden. Life on the farm was extremely busy and hard work, from hauling grain, picking stones and stumps by hand, milking cows, raising pigs and, of course, the chickens. Life was not all work though; there was always time for Sunday family dinners and playing with all the grandchildren. Mom and Dad enjoyed regular get-togethers with the neighbours, playing cards and enjoying each other’s company.
Mom worked outside the home for a few years at the King George Hotel, putting her mastery of cooking to work; her famous cinnamon buns are still talked about today. If Mom wasn’t baking her favourite cinnamon buns, she was taking classes on cake decorating, paper tole and even upholstery classes.
In 2006 Mom and Dad moved off the family homestead farm into Melville, where they settled on 3rd Avenue East.Many family gatherings were held in their home. There are many wonderful memories of all the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, piling into the living room where there was always lots of food, laughter and the occasional argument, lol.
Later in life, Mom was able to do some travelling. She enjoyed going to England to visit the beautiful flower gardens. She travelled to Hawaii and took numerous bus trips in Canada and to the USA. Mom also enjoyed sewing, quilting, crocheting and making quilts for the family. She would volunteer at the church and the thrift shop whenever needed.
After Dad’s passing in 2011, Mom remained in their home for a number of years before entering St. Paul Lutheran Home.
Helen will be sadly missed and forever remembered by all those who knew her.
A funeral service was held on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025 at Zion Lutheran Church, Melville, with Rev. Lowell Dennis officiating. Interment took place in Melville City Cemetery with Micah Hudy, Finley Radloff, Ryan Radloff, Justin Mitrenga, Troy Mitrenga and Christopher Hudy acting as pallbearers.
Arrangements were entrusted to Matthews Funeral Home.
OUR MOM
I’m sending a dove to heaven with a parcel on its wings.
Be careful when you open it, it’s full of beautiful things.
Inside are a million kisses wrapped up in a million hugs
To say how much we miss you and to send you all our love.
