Helen Dunion

Helen passed away January 28, 2023, at Chinook Hospice where she received incredibly compassionate care during her final days. She will be greatly missed by her three children, Barbara, Irene and Ken, as well as her five grandchildren, Stephanie (Ray), Katie (Graeme), Davis (Kaitlin), Jennifer (Colin) and Mikey (Catherine). She was always delighted to have a visit from her five great grandchildren – Owen, Sam, Lukas, Bennett and Hannah.

Born September 1, 1930, in Glasgow Scotland. Helen was the youngest of 8 children, which is likely where she developed her determination and resilience in going through her very full life. When WWII broke out on her 9th birthday, she was moved to her granny’s little cottage in Cairndow, creating many fond childhood memories.

Helen married her very adventurous and loving husband, John, in 1951, and soon after, immigrated to Canada, bravely leaving all her Scottish family behind. They settled in Calgary, where a growing family kept her busy, along with her love of gardening, sewing, camping and painting. Once the children were grown, a new adventure began. They moved to Peachland, BC, and on a rocky bit of land overlooking the Okanagan, they built their dream house with their own hands.

Mom spent many happy years there, improving on her artistic skills, turning that pile of rocks into a spectacular garden, enjoying having time to travel, and she never tired of looking at the beautiful view out her front window. She lost her darling John in 2003, but still managed to keep up that big house and yard herself. She was so strong and independent! Unfortunately, after a broken hip, she had to say goodbye to her beloved home, and moved back to Calgary again to be closer to her daughters. Helen embraced life at Lake Bonavista Village, where she enjoyed not having to cook, playing cards, cribbage, her exercise classes and puzzles. She is at peace now with all her family who predeceased her.

A service to celebrate Helen’s life will be held on February 18 at 2:00 p.m. at SOUTH CALGARY FUNERAL CENTRE, 12700 Macleod Trail South (at Lake Fraser Gate).