It is with great sadness that the family of Helen Victoria Zbeetnoff announces her peaceful passing on September 12, 2026, at the age of 96.

Helen was born on January 6, 1930, in the Canora district, to George and Annie Strocen. The fourth eldest of eleven children, she and her family later moved to the Fort Pelly area, where she attended Fort Pelly School. Growing up during the depression helped shape the strong, resourceful, and determined woman she would remain throughout her life.

In 1945, at nearly sixteen years of age, Helen married Nicholas (Nick) Zbeetnoff. Together they built their life on the farm and raised their three children, Kenneth (Ken), Shelley, and Shannon. Helen and Nick shared 63 years of marriage before his passing in 2009.

Helen was a true prairie woman. She worked tirelessly alongside Nick while raising their family, tending a large garden, preserving what they grew, milking cows, preparing meals for harvest crews, and doing whatever needed to be done. She approached hard work simply as part of life and could turn what the farm provided into a warm and welcoming home for her family.

Hospitality came naturally to Helen. Her home was always beautifully kept, her table was always ready, and there was always room for one more. Anyone who stopped by could expect a warm welcome, something tasty to eat and a visit. She loved to cook and bake and was especially known for her homemade bread and buns and, of course, her borscht. She enjoyed exchanging recipes and was always happy to bring home a new one to try.

Helen also had a lifelong love of gardening and flowers. Even after she and Nick left the farm and moved to Yorkton, where Helen worked running the circulation department for the Yorkton Enterprise newspaper, she continued to surround herself with the plants and flowers she loved.

Helen and Nick enjoyed camping, Sunday drives, and frequent visits to the farm to see Ken and help with the land. Helen also loved to travel. Hawaii held a special place in her heart, and she visited thirteen times—first with Nick and Shannon, and then later on her own to spend time with their daughter, Shelley, and enjoy the islands’ warmth and beauty.

Shortly after Nick’s passing, Helen moved to Saskatoon to be near her youngest son, Shannon, and continued to live independently for nearly seventeen years. Fiercely independent and deeply engaged with the world around her, she followed current events and the weather, enjoyed country music and her favourite television programs, and maintained a keen interest in people and travel. Even toward the end of her life, she was still considering another trip.

Above all, Helen loved her family. She showed that love in the way she had always known best—by caring for them. Whether through a meal prepared, a garden tended, a favourite recipe shared, or simply making sure everyone who entered her home felt welcome, Helen's love was woven into the everyday moments of family life.

Helen is survived by her brother Dan (Ann) Strocen of Calgary, AB and sister-in-law Delores Strocen of Kelowna, BC. She was predeceased by her parents, George and Ann Strocen; her sisters, Mary (Sam) Paluck, Joan (Bernard) Taylor, Jenny (Mike) Zurawell, and Rose Strocen; and her brothers, Edward (Ann) Strocen, Roman Strocen, Walter (Mary) Strocen, Lawrence Strocen, and Joseph Strocen.

Helen will be lovingly remembered by her children, Ken, Shelley, and Shannon and his wife, Stacey; her grandchildren, Jeffrey, Renie, Kris, Rémy, and Bianca; and her great-grandchildren, Katelynn, Gannon, Landon, Piper, and Madeleine. She will also be remembered by her extended family, dear friends, and all those who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Helen lived her 96 years with strength, independence, generosity, and an enduring devotion to family. The home she created, the meals she shared, the friendships she nurtured, and the love she gave so freely will remain treasured memories for generations to come.

A funeral service celebrating Helen's life will be held on Friday, July 23, 2027, at Yorkton Memorial Gardens in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, with arrangements by Bailey’s Funeral Home. 

Cherished Memories Funeral Services is honoured to have been entrusted with Helen's care and arrangements.