Dora Helena ‘Helen’ nee Harrison was born at home Sec 30, Tp 61, Rge 25.W.3, Sask on August 26 1933 to John and Annie.
Helen was raised during the depression along with 8 siblings on the farm where hard work, faith and dedication to family was installed. Mom attended the Chocolate Valley, Black Raven and Pierceland schools and continued her education at Briercrest College.
From the young age of 14 Mom entered the work force starting at the Grand Centre Hotel as a cook and cleaner, then continued as a nurse’s aide at the Red Cross Hospital in Pierceland and Meadow Lake Hospital. From there Helen moved to Vernon and Edmonton where she was a dental assistant. Helen wrote for newspapers in the towns that she lived in.
In December 1956 Helen and Rick were married. Dad’s career had them moving from Edmonton and Calgary Alberta, Outlook, Cutbank and Carrot River Saskatchewan, Kelowna, British Columbia, Gilliam and Sundance Manitoba, then finally home to Pierceland. During those moves Mom created a loving, welcoming, exceptionally clean and organized home. She was always ready with a huge smile, a hug, a cup of coffee and a piece of Lazy Daisy Cake.
Helen enjoyed being active from gardening, walking, riding her bike, cross-country skiing, tennis and bowling. She had a perpetual love for crunchy peanut butter and O-Henry bars. Mom was a creative and fantastic cook/baker who was able to prepare a feast from meager supplies to satisfy the appetites of many.
Grandma was always delighted to see her grandbabies. Her smile grew brighter and her joy was contagious. She loved and was proud of each one and their individual accomplishments. Her great grandchildren brought her ever lasting youth and never ending joy. Creating more laughter and memories for them.
Helen involved herself in floor curling, crib, cards and immersed herself in a good Danielle Steel novel. Spending many hours of quality time with friends and family.
The matriarch of our family has left us memories that will make us laugh, smile and cry for many years to come but has also left an empty space in our hearts.
Forever remembered & cherished by her children: Kevin, Kim (Murray Chalat); grandchildren: Amanda (Cory) Scheel, Chad, Christopher (Kelby), Michael (Breanna), Autumn, Mikaela; great grandchildren: Grace, Maggie, Kate, Micah, Bentley, Caleb; siblings: Mert, sister-in-law: Elnor, George (Agnes), Mike (Shirley), Vicky (Steve) Simpson, John (Mary Jane); along with numerous nieces, nephews, friends and other relatives.
Helen was predeceased by her husband of 55 years: Rick; parents: John & Annie; son-in-law: Mike Ward; sisters: Rose, Mary, Pearl; brother: Bill; brother-in-law: Al Wilton.
A Celebration of Helen’s Life, Saturday, November 11, 2017 from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., Josie Britton Centre, Pierceland, Saskatchewan.
Memorial tributes in memory of Helen may be sent to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 1738 Quebec Ave, Unit 26, Saskatoon, SK S7K 1V9.