By Roman Zakaluzny
An 81-year-old woman who prayed with her rosary every day was killed by a truck just steps for her Port Colborne church after New Year's Eve Mass.
Great-grandmother Helen Meskis was struck by a pickup truck on Monday outside St. Patrick�s Church, which she�d attended for more than 40 years.
"We take comfort in the fact the bishop and the priest from the church were there at the scene to read her last rites," her eldest granddaughter, Ilona Thebeault, 41, told The Toronto Sun yesterday.
"The woman goes to church, and doesn�t come home," said Ilona. "It's terrible."
Meskis had been living with Ilona, Ilona�s husband, Gerard, and their daughters Stasia and Ashley Videchak since April.
Niagara Regional Police said Meskis was struck by a pickup reversing out of a private driveway on King St.
She dies shortly after arrival at hospital.
Meskis is survived by two children, seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
She's pre-deceased by husband Stanley (a former police officer and RCAF mechanic), her two eldest children and one grandchild.
"Not many people are lucky enough to have a great grandmother attend their college graduation," said Stasia, 21, shaken by the tragedy.
"She taught me how to bake and cook, and to be a good person."
Meskis, in good health and "full of life," read five or six books a week from the town's library. She had her own phone line and went to church as often as possible.
"She had a cane just in case, but she could walk long distances on her own," said Ilona. "She could run if she wanted to. She did my dishes every day even though I said not to. And she would get her hair done every Saturday, without fail. She was one in a million.
"Even at 81, she could whip up a traditional potato pancake dish faster than anyone," said Ilona.
Scott Meskis, 43, of Kingston, said his mom remained strong despite the loss of many loved ones.
She was "a strong mother who raised us when my dad was in the war," he said. "She'll be missed."
Witnesses to the accident should call Niagara police at 905-688-4111, ext 4333.
Illustration:
photo of HELEN MESKIS
"One in a million"