Helen Mary Haraldson

Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Aunt, Sister. Born April 1, 1924 in St. John's Newfoundland; passed away on January 4, 2017 at 92 years old in Calgary, Alberta. Helen was one of nine children. She married Herb Haraldson who was with the Canadian Armed Forces on October 4, 1944, and in 1946, after the war ended, she and Herb moved from St. John's to Calgary with daughters Cheryl and Ingrid. Three more children (Greg, Lynne, and Tim) were born by 1958. Helen worked for the Hudson's Bay for many years; she was an amazing seamstress, sewing ball and wedding gowns; she volunteered countless hours for Our Lady of Perpetual Help and St. Luke's; and most of all, she enjoyed having the priests over for dinner. Helen was a devoted Catholic and not a day went by that she wasn't praying for those she loved and on behalf of others for their loved ones. Helen was funny, feisty, strong-willed, and brave. She faced many hardships from raising a large family, and especially from the tragic and early deaths of her husband, daughter and two sons. After several health issues later in life, Helen moved into the Beverly Glenmore in 2016, taking great enjoyment in frequent visits from family and friends. Helen is predeceased by her husband Herb, daughter Lynne, sons Greg and Tim; siblings George, Frank, Betty, Margaret and Gertrude. She is survived by siblings Kay, Brendan, and Marie; daughters Cheryl Christie (Jim), and Ingrid Pinel (Terry Pask); grandchildren, Greg Pinel, Geoff Christie (Candice), Colin Christie (Brittney), Dana Johnston (Paul), Jodie Haraldson (Dan), Melanie Haraldson (Daniel Cavalcanti), Bo Haraldson, and Heidi Haraldson; and great grandchildren Zachary, Cameron, Avery, Charlie, and Taylor. Helen cherished and loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren unconditionally. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the care givers of Bayshore who cared for Helen at home and The Beverly Glenmore. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Luke's Catholic Church (on the corner of Northland Drive and Northmount Drive NW) on Thursday, January 12 at 2:00 pm. Graveside service at Queen's Park Cemetery. Photos, memories and condolences may be shared with Helen's family through www.evanjstrong.com In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Chalice.ca in Helen's name. Arrangements in care of EVAN J. STRONG FUNERAL SERVICES. (403) 265-1199.