It is with heavy hearts and deep gratitude for her life that we announce the peaceful passing of Dr. Helen Ponke on March 31, 2025, in Toronto, at the age of 92.
Helena was born on Jan. 9, 1933, in Ukraine, and immigrated to Canada as a young child. She was raised in Windsor, Ont., where her curiosity, resilience and love of learning first blossomed. These traits would shape the inspiring life she lived.
Helen met the love of her life, Bill Ponke, at Wayne State University during their undergraduate studies. She later earned her doctor of medicine (MD) from the University of Toronto, forging a path of compassion and service in the medical field.
She was a woman of intelligence and joy, always reading, doing crosswords and stretching herself to grow in knowledge. She loved talking to flowers, long walks in the sunshine, biking with Bill, feeding ducks, and searching for seashells on Florida beaches. Her laugh was unmistakable — boisterous and warm — and her ability to listen and give wise advice made others feel truly seen and cared for.
She was a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother, and a cherished sister. She is survived by her husband Bill; her daughter Rachel and son Jeffrey (Amy) as well as her four treasured grandchildren Abigail, Mikayla, Emily and Sean. She is also survived by her much-loved younger brother, Dan, and countless friends whose lives she touched with her compassion and insight.
Helen deeply valued her community at Westway Christian Church, where she found not only fellowship, but family. The support and love she received there meant the world to her, especially in her later years. She lived fully, loved deeply, and leaves behind a legacy of wisdom, laughter and strength. May she rest in peace in the arms of her lord and saviour, Jesus Christ.