Helen Coghill

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Helen Ann Coghill (Myron) passed away peacefully on June 4, 2024, at the age of 95, at Prairie Villa in Assiniboia, SK. She is predeceased by her husband, Glen, and daughter, Marlene. Helen was born in Moose Jaw in 1929 (she always said it was the same year her parents bought a model “A” Ford). Her parents farmed in the Crestwynd district where Mom was raised with her older brother, three younger sisters, and one younger brother. Her elementary school years were spent in the Crestwynd area and she later attended high school in Moose Jaw.

She pursued a career in nursing and trained at the Moose Jaw Providence Hospital followed by a nursing job at Mossbank Hospital. During her time in Mossbank, through community activities like baseball and dancing, Mom met the love of her life – Glen. They were married on November 20, 1954, and had seven children: Nancy (Bill), Marlene (deceased), Leanne (Dan),

Ian (Vicki), Karen (John), Garth (Gilette), Gary (Renee); 19 grandchildren:

Scott, Stacey, Ben, Kami, Ali, Ryan, Quentin, Mark, Austin, Kacey, Ava, Isabelle, Helena, Von, Stanley, Noah, Olivia, Sophie, Georgia; as well as 8 great-grandchildren.

During those years of child-rearing, Mom put her heart into filling her role as a mother providing for the family’s needs – a role that she continued to demonstrate throughout her life. Her massive garden was one of her greatest joys. From that garden, wash tubs of peas, beans, and cucumbers were harvested; in the spring, we enjoyed lettuce, spinach, and radishes – Dad loved radish sandwiches! As the garden matured, Mom froze, canned, and pickled its produce which we enjoyed all year long. It wasn’t until much later we realized how lucky we were to receive such wonderful nutrition. Mom baked 10-12 loaves of bread every week. We would savour any opportunity we got to eat store-bought bread, but it didn’t take long before we changed our opinion on that!

Mom was known for her dogged work ethic. Mom and Dad worked side by side on many tasks. In the early farming years, when Dad’s brothers weren’t able to haul grain during harvest, Mom stepped up to the plate to help. She said that Dad could be a tough taskmaster, but she was never fired! Later, as we got older and could help with the work, Mom was still involved in the activities on the farm whether it was taking food to the workers or running to town for a part. She was known for getting the task completed – no dust settled on her!

Mom wasn’t all about work – she loved to have fun and was involved in many community activities. She started curling in Congress and later in Assiniboia. Many happy times were spent playing cards and Mom was a formidable opponent. Saturday nights often led to many high-spirited card games with neighbours and friends. There was always lots of laughter.

Not only was Mom a nurturing mother, her grandchildren held a special spot in her heart and they could do no wrong. She always had fresh buns, chocolate chip cookies, or other baked goods on hand. Most of the grandkids learned the love of cards beginning with the game of “Fish” while sitting on Mom’s lap. Holiday celebrations often meant turkey dinner, with all the trimmings, shared with many relatives. There was always much excitement with a lot of commotion – Mom just rolled with it. We remember many Christmases when some of the grandkids were young, many beds were set up in the basement to accommodate everybody. During the day, the grandkids had great fun making forts out of all the couch cushions and all the bedding.

Growing up, Mom enjoyed singing around the piano with her family. Later in life, with diminished vision, we marveled at how many hymns and folksongs she knew by heart. Every time the family got together, she would want to sing.

At Halloween, the highlight for many neighbourhood children was getting Mom’s famous popcorn balls. Halloween was always a fun time for Mom, especially with neighbour Vinona Sinclair. Many Halloween pranks and shenanigans allegedly occurred around the neighbourhood.

Mom had a quiet faith and church community was important to her. She was involved in the United Church Women’s group for many years – first at Vantage United Church until it closed and later at the Assiniboia United Church. She was involved in many roles, including church bazaars, making and serving lunches for funerals, and community events.

We will remember Mom for her love of animals, cheering on the Toronto Blue Jays and her curling teams. Also, for getting the task at hand done, making the best of any situation, her warm smile, and kindness to others.

Her love of playing cards and games, and having her family together. Everyone remembers the pleasure of eating Mom’s homemade bread, buns, and her famous apple pie (right, Dan?). Her huge garden was a great source of pride, as well as her lifelong love of music and her pure joy of life.

We have been very fortunate to have had an incredible Mom, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, and friend. Mom has helped guide and nurture us to become who we are. These gifts will be passed on to our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. So, Mom will live through us in our everyday lives.

Funeral Service for Helen was held Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 2:00 pm at St. Paul’s United Church in Assiniboia, SK. Wendy Gibson, DLMr officiated, tribute was presented by daughters-in-law Vicki and Renee. Pallbearers were grandsons Quentin Coghill, Mark Coghill, Austin Coghill, Scott Irwin, Ben Irwin, Ryan Moneo and Noah Coghill. Private Family Interment was held June 13, 2024 in Congress Baptist Cemetery, Congress, SK. . Donations in memory of Helen may be made to Saskatchewan Cancer Agency. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Coghill family may be shared at www.rossfuneralservice.com. Arrangements entrusted to Ross Funeral Service, Assiniboia, SK 306-642-3373

For floral orders please contact Moms Florist (Assiniboia) 306-642-4777

www.momsfloristassiniboia.com