HELEN J. PAGE

October 16, 1916 - May 07, 2016

HELEN JOSEPHINE PAGE

16 October 1916 - 7 May 2016

Helen Page died suddenly and peacefully in her sleep on May 7 1916, five months short of a full Century of Life. She had an indomitable spirit marked by her perseverance and ability to carry on in the face of obstacles and do the right thing for her family and community. She lived through the Great Depression, two world wars, survived two husbands, worked and supported her family and was Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother to her "kids".

When her husband David left her in Winnipeg in 1939, with two young boys Kenneth and Larry, to serve with the Royal Canadian Engineers in World War 2 for six years she shunned the fierce Winnipeg winters and moved west to establish a life for the family in "Beautiful British Columbia". In 1945 her family was re-united and Joy was born in 1946.

Helen established herself into the community of Richmond - Lulu Island as it was originally known, and was active in St. Edwards Anglican Church, the Rebekahs and St. Johns Ambulance.

With the death of Dave in 1957 she was again persevered and supported a life with her three children. She set high standards for them and each subsequently graduated into professions. Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren followed and she came to be affectionately known as "GG" - Great Grandmother, the revered family Matriarch. She was the creator and purveyor of the famous Grandma/GG cookies - a delicious hand-made chocolate chip peanut butter bite of heaven. She baked and gave these out to family and friends right up to her death.

Helen married Rubin Hanson in 1965 and they lived happily at their Richmond home travelling, working and gardening until Rubin's death in 1985. She worked at the Hudson's Bay Company from 1955 through 1982 and after retiring spent 25 years volunteering at BC Children's Hospital where she worked in the gift shop. She absolutely loved all children.

She was the catalyst who kept the family together and annually convened the "Page Family Picnic" over a 25 year span. This large picnic held at her Richmond home, had yummy food (including of course pyrogies, cookies and birthday cakes), races (with prizes!) for adults and kids and was attended by family, extended family and their many friends.

Helen moved to West Vancouver in 2001. She was a member of West Vancouver United Church and its Naomi group. She was well known in Ambleside-Dundarave and had dear and helpful friends at Stratford Court where she resided for many years.

She moved to Fleetwood Villa Retirement Community in Surrey in January 2016. She always welcomed new people into her circle of friends and although she lost many dear "old" friends over the years she continued to make new ones right up to her death. She took a genuine interest in people and they returned her warmth. Helen knew the value of a good hug! She kept in touch by visits, mail, email and long phone conversations. She was a strong, charming, fun-filled, generous and independent force of nature.

She will be so missed for her colorful, thoughtful and loving nature. We were sure she would live to see 100 years of age and receive her much anticipated letter from Queen Elizabeth. But alas, she has gone to be with the rest of her family and is now pain-free, dying the way she wanted.

Helen was predeceased by two husbands, David Page and Rubin Hanson, her son Kenneth and grandsons Hamish and David. She is survived by son Lawrence (Robyn), daughter Joy (Anne), 7 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Helen's Life will be held at West Vancouver United Church at 11 a.m. on June 17 2016, with a reception to follow at the Hollyburn Club.