Obituary of Helen Marie Sararas

With heavy hearts, we share the news that Helen made her transition on October 16th, surrounded by her loving family. She was 83 years young. Loving wife of the late Andy Sararas (2018) for 55 years.

A wonderful mother to Lisa Norley (the late Sean Norley 2008) and Jeff Sararas (Lori Thompson). Cherished Mama to her three grandchildren, Melissa Norley (Kelven Nantais), Ryan Norley and Jack Sararas. She will be lovingly remembered by her sisters Rev. Cora Sinstead (the late Rev. Ronel Sinstead 2007) and Audrey Sararas (the late Alvin Sararas 2017), sister-in-law Sylvia Sararas, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Helen was born on the family homestead in St. Agatha, built by her ancestors in the 1800s. Her parents were Clarence and Anne (nee Strebel) Swartzentruber. She lived her entire life there, creating a home filled with love and care for her family, and always with a warm welcome for guests. Her kitchen was her haven, where delicious aromas of home cooking and baking were always present. Her children were her priority in life. She was always active in school activities, and rarely missed field trips or special events in their lives.

Helen was proud to be among the inaugural graduating class at Conestoga College where she studied Legal Secretarial. She also spent 10 years in the payroll department at Electrohome taking pride in the details, before starting a family with Andy.

She was an avid gardener, sharing her wisdom with Melissa as a small child, then watching her carry on the legacy in her later years. She also loved music and delighted in Ryan playing and singing her favourites on the guitar.

Helen was a founding member of the Unity Church in Kitchener, where she actively served for many years as a board member and passionate student of spirituality. Helen practiced health of mind, body, and spirit through Tai Chi and enjoyed spending many hours walking the beautiful track at the cardiac fitness center, and friendships formed through these activities.

Friends are invited to share their memories of Helen with her family during visitation at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Tuesday October 22, 2019 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. The funeral service will be held in the chapel of the funeral home on Wednesday October 23 at 2 p.m.  A reception will immediately follow in the Fireside Reception Room of the funeral home. A private family interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery, New Hamburg at a later date.

Condolences for the family and donations to the Cardiac Fitness Association, Breslau and Unity Church, Kitchener may be arranged through the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.