Helen Virag October 29, 1902 - September 6, 1999

Remembrances Condolences

As the first born of 5 children, I remember our days in Romania. In the spring of 1929 our father left for Canada. Mother, with Helen, Ann and myself, we boarded a ship in November to start a new life in a new world. With Julie and Michael born in `31 and `32, they fed and cared for all of us through the hard times of the "Great Depression". She insisted that her mother tongue not be forgotten so we children were her interpreters between Hungarian and English.

Our father died at 56 in 1958, fortunate enough to see all his children happily married and starting families of our own, so mother had to lean more than ever on us. In 1965 she moved to B.C. where she bought a Rancher and lived there for 24 years. She was all the more cheered by her many grandchildren totalling 16, then 33 great grandchildren, and fortunate to become the proudest great great grandmother of Nathan before she passed away in her sleep. She was the most loved and loving lady, respected by all who knew her. She leaves me with many beautiful memories. Elizabeth Virag Sclater

Gramma "V" was certainly sharp right up to the end! She saw it all, from childhood in turn-of-the-century Eastern Europe through the depression as a young immigrant mother in Eastern Canada to grow old as our family matriarch . . . always there to guide and dispense praise with great vigor and pride in all family members. It was sad to see how the last few years devastated her physical strength and failing eyesight but we were always very much aware she had great emotional and spiritual strength to give each and every one of us in a special way for each. Always a part of my spirit. Gordie

Gramma Virag loved company. Her eyes brightened up with genuine pleasure at each arrival. She always expressed great joy in showing everyone her garden and plans for planting new things. Dropping in unexpectedly was a gift she gave to all by saying how pleased she was that we would come and visit an old person. Even when I was a child, she would say how old she was. I think it was her way of saying she needed a hug and laugh. She would beam with pride and knew deep inside we loved her dearly. Age does not limit friendship. My family, from little children to adulthood, always expressed their wish to go to Gramma's house. It was a place to go and give love as well as receive love. Love for her family is a precious gift to share always. Ever in my Heart, Elizabeth Mae.