Obituary of Isabelle Sarah May Helgason

HELGASON, Isabelle Sarah May In the quiet early morning of August 6, 2008, Isabelle passed away after a brief illness at the age of 82 years. Isabelle was born on the family homestead in the Mozart area, to Malcolm and Merle Campbell, the third of four children. She was pre-deceased by her parents, her brother James Campbell, her sister Verna Yurach (Charlie) and her husband Harold Helgason (in l981). She is survived by her sister Irene Macomber (Wes), brother in law Keith Cowan and several nieces and nephews. Isabelle is also survived by her four children: Randy (Carol) Helgason (Ottawa), Cathy (Jim) McIntyre (Edmonton), Judy (Ken) Ready (Regina), and Peter (Tammy) Helgason (Kamloops), thirteen grandchildren: Shari (Greg) Eisler (Calgary), Carly Helgason (Ottawa), Jeff McIntyre, Paul (Mara) McIntyre, Jill (Lloyd) Norminton (all of Edmonton), Mary (Jeremy) Weimer, Bill (Bridget) Ready, Don Ready, Catherine Ready, Emily Ready (all of Regina), Casey Helgason, Peter Helgason (Jr), and Indy Helgason (all of Kamloops), and four great-grandchildren: Brynn Eisler, Melana McIntyre, and Sarah and James Weimer. Isabelle attended school in Mozart and completed her high school in Wynyard. She and Harold raised their family in Wynyard, Moose Jaw and in Regina. She worked for the Bank of Montreal for many years, followed by an interesting mix of work in retail sales in Regina at Simpsons, Eaton's and OB Allan Jewellers. She especially loved selling jewellery. Isabelle was a member of Lakeview United Church and was active in the United Church Women, was an Elder and served her church in many ways and for many years. She loved to cook and entertain and had an interest in trying different foods long before this was popular to do so. When she enjoyed good health, Isabelle was an active grandmother, travelling across the country to visit her grandchildren. At home, she loved hosting sleepovers, tea parties and playing with her grandchildren at the park. After suffering a stroke in l994, she became a quiet observer of her family's achievements. Never one to make a fuss, Isabelle enjoyed the simple things in life. Family dinners, birthday parties, graduations and Christmas mornings. In October of 2007 she experienced a more serious stroke. She became a resident of Wascana Rehabilitation Centre where she resided until the time of her passing. Although she was no longer mobile on her own, and her ability to communicate was greatly reduced, she always expressed a great interest and excitement in seeing every visitor. She would frequently surprise those who came --- especially her great-grandchildren who loved the hospital cafeteria and the opportunity to play in the large and open spaces--- with an observation or a comment, and always with a smile and a sparkle in her eyes. Isabelle's new home at Wascana was open and bright and welcoming, and she was cared for by people who were thoughtful and kind and sensible. Her family will always be grateful for the Nurses and Staff of Main 5. Upon her recent illness, Isabelle and her family were treated with dignity and respect. She was able to pass away in her own bed, at peace and with her family at her side. A Memorial Service will be held at Lakeview United Church, 3200 McCallum Avenue on Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. Rev. Robert A. Kitchen from Knox-Metropolitan United Church will officiate with a reception to follow. Flowers are gratefully declined. Those wishing to make a gift in her name may do so, to the Wascana Centre Volunteer Caring Committee, Wascana Rehabilitation Centre, 2180 - 23rd Avenue, Regina S4S 0A5. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.speersfuneralchapel.com