Jan 15, 1926 to Jan 22, 2014
At age 88, Helen Rogers passed away peacefully at her home in Royston, BC after enjoying a wonderful dinner and evening out with her friends. Predeceased by her parents; Ethel and Chester Fowler; Husband Bert Rogers; and Sister-In-law, Audrey Fowler. To remember Helen and her ‘upbeat spirit’, she leaves behind two younger brothers in Dundalk, Ont., Delbert Fowler, Mervyn Fowler & wife Mary; many nieces, nephews, extended family across Canada, in Germany and Australia. Our ‘beloved GG’’ will be greatly missed by all her Royston Family of over 35 years.
Helen was born in Dundalk, Ontario and grew up in a loving family on the old ‘Fowler Farm’.
She first attended S.S.#5 School in the Township of Proton. At age 12, in order to attend Dundalk High School, she was boarded out away from home. Helen felt drawn to the nursing profession, she was a ‘nurturer’, she found her calling! Her nurse’s training was in Owen Sound and London Ontario Hospitals and the Detroit Hospital. Shortly after graduating, with a sense of adventure, Helen headed west with two nursing colleagues to Vancouver Island, and started her RN career at the Ladysmith Hospital in Sep. 1948.
She met (Wilbert) Bert Rogers, they married in 1949 and moved to Chase River. In Feb. 1954 she worked as an RN at the Nanaimo Indian Hospital and in a medical office in downtown Nanaimo, BC. Bert and Helen moved up island to Vernon Camp where she devoted herself to volunteer work as the Camp First Aid Attendant and she held ‘baby clinics’ for the Upper Island Health Unit in their trailer, for five years. At her first baby clinic, she watched in horror as her budgie landed on top of a baby’s head. ‘The Rogers’ moved to Fitzgerald Avenue in Courtenay, BC, where they met the ‘Hampshires’ and developed a lifelong friendship. Good friendships were so important to Helen. In the summer of 1979, Bert and Helen moved into their newly built ‘retirement’ home on Meredith Drive, in Royston, BC. Bert and Helen were hard workers on their ‘estate’ and never slowed down. After Bert died in 1981, Helen commented many times how she was very grateful and happy for the decision she made, to stay here. 4 generations of Laurel Heights folk got to know her. Her loyal friendships with neighbours were very special to her! She was sure that she was living a long, healthy life because of all the activities happening around her. Said “they keep me feeling young” and she took great pleasure in getting to really know and love 2 generations of all the ‘little ones’! She’d have a sparkle in her eye and a laugh as she relayed stories of their antics, right up to her end of life. In her seventies, she joined the Royston Community Club and energetically contributed to their plant and bake sales, crib nights and executive. In her ‘spare’ time she did needlework, and sewed costumes or ‘xmas pj’s for her kids’ both near and far. She spent quiet alone times doing puzzles, playing solitaire, phoning friends and relatives or writing cards and letters to them. Helen lovingly tended her huge flower beds and looked forward to seeing spring flowers, her most favorite garden time each year. Helen would greet you with a wave, a smile, and a hug or a phone call. Daily life was about caring for pets, friends and family, staying active and remaining independent, as she never wanted to be a burden. ‘GG buns’, fresh coffee or tea and a muffin were always ready for a visit with a friend! Helen lived her life well and humbly appreciated everything good that life has to offer. We will cherish so many wonderful memories of her, forever. Internment was at Cedar Memorial Gardens, Cedar, BC, where she is laid to rest with Bert.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Helen’s name to the Royston Community Club or Royston Elementary School in Royston, BC or plant a ‘GG tree’ (she was affectionately known as Great Grandma).
A ‘Celebration of Helen’s life’ will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2014 @ 1:00 pm at the Royston Community Club Hall, on the Old Island Highway by the Royston light. Please bring your pictures and share your memories with us. Everyone is welcome!