Helena passed away peacefully on June 6, 2014 at St. Joseph’s Hospital. She was born March 16, 1923 at Gaspe, Quebec. Predeceased by parents Vincent & Ethel, husband David, brother Murray and sister Joyce, she is survived by son Murray (Judith), daughters Joan (Dale) and Wendy (Keith), granddaughter Tabatha, grandsons Sam and Gabriel (Yuki), great-grandchildren Toshiro & Shino, sister Jean (Gerald), bother Roy (Mary), brother-in-law Jack, special friend Fran, and many nieces and nephews.
Helena came west after WWII to join future husband David and start a life together. They came to Courtenay from Nanaimo in 1946. Mom was a stay-at-home Mom until the late ‘60’s when she started work at the Arbutus Hotel. Mom was a waitress for 20 years and had a devoted following of customers. During the kids’ younger years, Mom joined a group of ladies who became known as the “Sewing Club”. They met weekly on Thursdays for years doing their mending and darning. As the kids grew up the Sewing Club changed venues and it evolved in the Poker Club. The ladies had a great time comparing hands playing penny-ante poker. She was famous for her baking and her Danish relish. The relish was a fall tradition and her shortbread was a Christmas favourite.
The family wishes to thank all of Helena’s family and friends for their kind words and prayers, flowers and food and requests that donation be made to the BC Cancer Foundation or Comox Valley Hospice. Many thanks to all her caregivers at the Comox Valley Seniors Village, the 3rd Floor staff at St. Joseph’s and special thanks to Dr. Reggler and his staff for many years of excellent care.
An open house drop-in tea will be held at the Comox Valley Seniors Village Saturday, July 12th, 2014 between 1:30pm – 4:00PM