Helen Isabel Brekke was born, an only child, to parents Hans and Judith Brekke, Norwegian immigrants, on October 30, 1929 at the Winnipeg General Hospital.

Helen had the most wonderful childhood, despite living through the great depression. Her father, a civil engineer, worked in Winnipeg for Hydro and, as construction engineer for the building of powerhouses at Pointe du Bois and Slave Falls. The family lived in a small cabin at Slave Falls for one year, until Helen began formal schooling, when they moved back to Winnipeg for the school year, returning to stay at the Slave Falls house each summer during the school holidays. They travelled by train between Winnipeg and Slave Falls, and some of Helen’s favourite memories were made at this time and place.

Helen attended Laura Secord and Gordon Bell schools in Winnipeg, and then spent a year at the Winnipeg School of Art, before she attended United College, from which she graduated in 1951 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

It was during this time that she met and began dating David Levi, a law student. Helen and David got married on February 2, 1951. They resided in Winnipeg for their early married years, and in 1953, their son, Lawrence was born, and in 1954, they had a daughter, Elaine.

In 1961, David established a law office in Glenboro, Manitoba, and the family moved to the country. In 1965, David suffered a fatal heart attack, at the age of 36, and Helen attended the University of Manitoba to receive her certificate in education.

In the fall of 1966, Helen began her career at the Glenboro Collegiate, as senior English teacher. She loved being a teacher, and enjoyed this job until retirement in 1993. While teaching, she raised her children, worked to receive her bachelor of Education degree, she directed an annual drama production, published three novels, avidly read and collected books, painted many pictures in watercolour, oils, and acrylic, made quilts, and enjoyed life. She spent her retirement years travelling, visiting with friends, gardening, and enjoying her dogs and cats, who brought her much love and joy.

In July 2009, Helen moved to Hamiota, Manitoba, to live near her daughter, Elaine and son-in-law Eric Rawlings. For twelve years, Helen enjoyed a quiet life there, pursuing her many hobbies and interests.

She moved back to Glenboro in April 2021, where she resided for 6 months, until, on Saturday, November 6, 2021, Helen passed away peacefully in her sleep at the Glenboro Personal Care Home.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Hans and Judith Brekke, her husband, David Levi, and her son, Lawrence Levi.

She leaves to mourn, her daughter Elaine (Eric) Rawlings, her grandson David (Lora) Rawlings and their sons Sam and Matt, her granddaughter Karen (Darren) Kirk, and their sons Jon and Jack, and her grandson Nick (Kim Hiebert) Rawlings.

The family would like to express sincere and heartfelt thanks to the health care providers at the Glenboro Personal Care Home for their kind and gentle assistance that Helen received during her stay, and to the kitchen staff for providing meals that were always “sensational”! Sincere thanks, also to Moray and Dayna Jamieson and the staff at Jamieson’s Funeral Service for their kind, compassionate service.

Helen’s remains have been cremated, and a private family gathering will take place at a later date.  Friends that so desire, memorial donations can be made in Helen’s memory to the Brandon Humane Society, 2200 17 St E, Brandon, MB R7A 7M6, or to the Hamiota Community Foundation, Box 100, Hamiota, MB, R0M 0T0 or to the Glenboro & Area Foundation, Box 147, Glenboro, MB, R0K 0X0.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.willmorchapel.com.  Jamieson’s Funeral Services of Glenboro in care of arrangements.