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Helen Margaret Helgason
Helen Margaret Helgason
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Helen Helgason Obituary
HELGASON _ Helen Margaret (nee Manson) Helen passed away suddenly on January 5, 2007 at her home in Richmond. She was predeceased by her husband of 41 years, Ray, in 1992, and dear friend of 8 years, Andre Mentink in 2003. She leaves her family - children Anne, Bill and Bob, son- and daughters-in-law Abe, Martha and Allyson, grandchildren Ray, Sean, Beth Anne, Trevor, Nicole, and Tosh, and sisters Elizabeth and Donnie. Helen was born in 1926 in Arden, Manitoba and spent her youth in the area. In 1949 she graduated as a Registered Nurse from Winnipeg General Hospital. She married Ray in 1951 and they moved to Richmond in 1957. They had a wonderful, happy life together filled with family times and world travel. Helen was a loving and devoted wife and mother, cherished by all her family. She was a kind and thoughtful friend to so many, a dedicated community volunteer and famous for her muffins and cookies. A gathering for those she touched in her life will be held at The Floral Hall, VanDusen Botanical Gardens, 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver at 1:30 on Saturday, January 20th. In lieu of flowers, donations in Helen's name to the Cancer Society or the Heart and Stroke Fund are welcome.
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18 Entries
Gloria Hummel
January 19, 2007
Though I have not seen Helen for many years, I always remember her fondly from the MOAA meetings. She had such a warm, caring manner and was a true lady.
Margot Stewart-Lee
January 19, 2007
When I think of my Aunt Helen, I remember her warm smile, her sense of humour and her love of family.
I have so many memories of Helen over the years ... at childhood Christmas gatherings, family reunions, weddings, births/adoptions, birthdays. She was always there to listen (she did that so well), to laugh, to congratulate, to offer her insight, to celebrate with us ... she was interested in all of her extended family and she made us each feel valued and loved.
Helen was so proud of her children and grandchildren - she always had pictures on hand when describing their latest adventures and milestones. I never felt too distant from the Helgason clan after a visit or a Christmas letter from Helen.
In her quiet, gentle way Helen was an inspirational woman. She will be very much missed.
Sonia Heyligers
January 18, 2007
I met Helen 25-years ago when I moved to Richmond and joined the MOAA. I remember meeting Helen for the first time at a meeting and she welcomed me to the association so warmly. She was a very caring and understanding friend. My condolences are sent to her family.
Jennifer Stewart-Owen
January 18, 2007
Aunt Helen was a very special person. She had a wonderful talent for making everyone feel like she was especially happy to see them, and for knowing just what to say to make you feel at home. Although I have lived far away for a very long time, I always found Aunt Helen to be as welcoming as ever, and interested in catching up on what was new and important in my life at the moment. On my infrequent trips west, a visit with her was always a high point! I looked forward to her letters each Christmas, and re-read them many times - I am so happy to have heard from her again this year and know how much she enjoyed her 80th birthday celebrations. She always included details of her growing family, whom she dearly loved. Aunt Helen was important to many, many people who are only now beginning to realise how much she contributed to their lives in her quiet, thoughtful ways. She will be missed.
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Christine Jelleyman (nee Ker)
January 18, 2007
I would like to join my cousin Peter McKellar in sending my love and condolences to the family and friends of Helen on her death. I was one of those many family members she hosted in her home. On my one and only visit to Canada in 2002 she and Andre showed me and my colleague Jo Vancouver and treated us to warm hospitality. She made me feel very close to my Canadian grandmother Katherine Ker (nee Manson).
Peter McKellar
January 17, 2007
I was saddened to hear of Helen's death, especially as I had had a nice letter from her at Christmas.
Helen said she felt very close to my mother and her first cousin, Mary McKellar. She has been a kind host to members of our family visiting Canada for many years, to myself in 1961 (when I was aged 6) and then again when I visited in 2003. Helen introduced me to Fraser River Salmon on my first day in Canada.
On behalf of the New Zealand cousins I pass on my sincere condolences to all her friends and family. Please, lets all keep in touch
Margaret Mikulik
January 17, 2007
Helen was a compassionate and kind person.There were days when we met for lunch and I was upset she knew just what to say. She gave of herself to friend, family or stranger.She was very proud of her family. She will be missed but memories of her will live on.
Ria Van Kalkeren
January 15, 2007
Helen will forever be missed by her friends and neighbours at Windsor Greene. Her dedication to our flower beds will not be forgotten; the friendship and goodwill she extended to all of us will remain in our hearts and memories. She was a neighbour beyond compare.
Helen Ulmer
January 13, 2007
My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Helen. I knew Helen through the M.O.A and shared many hapy times, lunches, rides and get togethers. She will be missed by all but will always be in our hearts.
Jean McRobert
January 12, 2007
I have known Helen for many years and will miss her. We usually went to our luncheons together and it was an opportunity to find out what was going on over the times we did not see each other. May your memories bring you comfort.
Helena Cormier-Bowie
January 11, 2007
I knew Helen for many years and we worked together with the M.O.A.A.
I moved to the Kelowna area 10 years ago and had not seen her for a while. I know she will be missed by all her friends.
Margaret Bailey.for the.class of 1949 A
January 10, 2007
Those of us from the Winnipeg GeneralHospital School of Nursing ,class of1949A send our deepest condolences to her family.She will be missed so much by all of us.She kept in touch with us all,notified us of changes,and organized our reunions.A very caring classmate,and such a good friend to each one.
Debbie Dengel (Fleming)
January 10, 2007
Hi Bob:
It has been years since we saw each other but mom has always kept me in touch with news about you and your family via your mom Helen, she was a wonderful lady and will be missed. Simon and I settled in 100 Mile House 28 years ago and we still love it there. Enjoy your 2 children and perhaps our paths will cross again. My heartfelt sympathies are with you all 'Moms' are special people! Debbie Dengel (Fleming)
Patricia Fleming
January 10, 2007
I was looking forward to enjoying a visit with Helen this Saturday at our MOA luncheon. We worked side by side for several years and it was always a joy to see her smiling face. You know how much she loved each one of you and all her very precious grandchildren. I will miss her. Blessings to each of you.
Diana Gemmel
January 10, 2007
My sympathy to all the Helgason family. Helen was such a good friend, I will miss our phone calls and visits.
Val Parrotta
January 10, 2007
Helen was a wonderful lady.She will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prays are with her family at this sad time.
Una Leard
January 10, 2007
I only have the fondest memories of a wonderful lady and friend over the past 30 years. My sincere condolences to the family
Vivienne Ward
January 10, 2007
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
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