Date of Birth: March 2, 1937
Date of Death: April 6, 2025
It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our cherished mother, Helen Libner, on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at the age of 88.
Helen lived a life brimming with passion, purpose, and an infectious joy that she generously shared with all who knew her.
Born and raised in Saskatchewan, Helen embarked on her life’s journey when she married John Broshko in Ituna in 1956. Together, they built a life on their farm in the Ituna area, where they were blessed with four children, and eagerly awaited the arrival of their fifth when John’s life was tragically cut short. Helen’s resilience and strength shone brightly as she navigated this profound loss.
In September 1965, Helen found love again and married Frank Libner. Their move to Melville brought the joy of another child into her life. Helen’s children were, without a doubt, the radiant centre of her world, a testament to her boundless capacity for love and devotion.
Beyond her family, Helen cultivated a remarkable legacy within her community. Widely celebrated as the “Perogie Queen”, her handcrafted perogies were legendary. Made with love and a secret touch, they became the talk of the town, highly sought after and delivered to eager recipients in Saskatoon, Edmonton, and Calgary, with repeat requests a constant testament to their deliciousness. Her freezer, perpetually stocked, rarely stayed full for long. More recently, her new home at Cumberland Villa became filled with the comforting aroma of another beloved treat her exceptional cinnamon buns, a delight that permeated the hallways and brought smiles to many faces.
Helen embraced her new chapter at Cumberland Villa with open arms, quickly making it her cherished second family. She thrived in the warm and supportive environment, forming close friendships and actively participating in the community. Her laughter, engaging chats, and heartfelt hugs became a comforting presence, and she truly blossomed in her new surroundings. The love and unwavering dedication Helen poured into her family and friends, coupled with her kind heart, infectious laughter, and comforting presence, will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Helen was predeceased by her parents, Katherine and Michael; her brother, Leonard; her first husband, John; her second husband, Frank, who passed away in 2017; and her cherished grandsons, Scott (Broshko) in 2003 and Cory (Popiuk) in 2019.
Her legacy of love and warmth will live on through her devoted children: Cecile, David (Donna), Dennis (Lorece), Cindy, Yvonne (David), and Richard (Kim); her dear brother, Joe (Zonia); her nephews; her 11 adoring grandchildren; and her 14 treasured great-grandchildren.
The family extends their sincere gratitude to the compassionate and dedicated staff at St. Peter’s Hospital and the Yorkton Regional Hospital for their outstanding love and unwavering support during Helen’s final days.
A vigil service was held for Helen on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at Matthews Funeral Home, Melville, with Deacon Dave Hudy officiating. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Thursday, April 10, 2025, with the Rev. Fr. Melchor Samonte officiating and Deacon Dave Hudy assisting. Don Battiste led the congregation in the hymns, the readings were done by Jessica Rohatynsky, Morgan Rohatynsky and Nicole Popiuk, and the urn bearer was Yvonne Rohatynsky.
Dennis Broshko delivered the eulogy. Interment took place at St. Henry’s Parish Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Matthews Funeral Home, Melville.
