Helene was in a word … “feisty.”

Some of her favorite things were: mastering a traditional dish or fancy dessert, assembling puzzles, collecting raccoon memorabilia, and getting a HAMburger at A&W.

Born in Montreal in 1938, she was the eldest of three in a traditional Lithuanian family. She adored her father who was a talented carpenter with a Geppetto-like workshop in the basement, the floor always littered with curly wood shavings.

She met the handsome Albert in 1957 at a wedding in the community Lithuanian church. They married in 1959, honeymooned at Niagara Falls and had their first son 9 months later – surprise!

She was the consummate housewife. Proudly caring for two boys, a challenging husband and keeping a pristine household that was the envy of her peers. When times were tough, she worked assembly lines at Seagram, Kodiak boots and an auto parts manufacturer.

In 1975 they left the city for the wilderness of the Eastern Townships of Quebec just north of the Vermont border. It is here that she learnt new skills: clearing brush, chain sawing trees, tending a massive vegetable garden, turning a deer carcass into family meals and knitting warm sweaters. She even found time to help at the local nursing home.

They had seen the majesty of the British Columbia mountains and in 1995 chose to retire in Elkford and join their lifelong friends. (Yes, there are many Elk there). They enjoyed new found neighbors, the thriving community including many of the friendly workers at the nearby coal mine and the beauty of the outdoors. Her husband passed away in 2011 changing her life dramatically. But she did not flinch at the new challenges. She took over all the household duties herself including mowing the grass in summer and plowing the driveway in winter. She even provided those services for some of her neighbors until only a few years ago!

In November 2022 life in a big house was becoming overwhelming and she chose to go to Rocky Mountain Village in Fernie as her next adventure. Escaping the cold snow drifts was the final deciding factor. Reluctant at first, she eventually settled into her new one room home. Delivered meals, free shuttle service into town, neighbors just steps away – there were definitely perks here! She established some friendships with the staff, and she often made them smile. She would reprimand new people who innocently mis-pronounced her name: “Don’t call me Helen!” She always insisted on adding an “e” at the end, the French version.

On November 14th, resting comfortably in bed, painlessly, peacefully, she passed away.

She is survived by two younger sisters and 2 sons Steve and Michael, who live in California and Ottawa respectively. The family would like to thank everyone in Elkford who helped Helene, as much as she allowed. And especially, Melissa Rodger and her staff at the Rocky Mountain Village in Fernie for their commitment to quality care, compassion, and patience. She led a long and adventurous life and was feisty to the end.

As Helene requested, her remains will be scattered at sea in a small private ceremony.