Helen Anna (Meyer) Beckie

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Helen Anna Beckie on March 19, 2025, at the age of 94 years. Her family was at her side daily in the hospital during her brief but strong and brave fight with cancer.

Helen was born in Hanna, AB, and grew up on the family farm near this town, the middle child of 4 children. Her parents were William and Betsy Meyer. Her maternal grandparents moved from Norway in 1903, living in the United States before moving to Canada. Her paternal grandparents were of a German and French descent. At the age of 6, she went to boarding school at the Daughters of Wisdom Convent in Castor, Alberta and completed High School in Calgary at St. Mary’s, boarding at the Faithful Companions of Jesus Convent. She obtained her Bachelor of Education degree at the University of Calgary, and her Masters of Education degree from Gonzaga University. She married Ken Beckie on July 7,1956, and together they had four children: Jim (d. 2018, wife Darcy), Joe (Charlene), Michelle (Mark), and Niel (Jacqueline). Helen is survived by her children and their spouses, 12 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, and two siblings Theresa (Muench) and Bill (Meyer). She was predeceased by her husband Ken in 2023, her son Jim in 2018, and brother Martin in 2022.

Throughout Helen’s life, she was very active in Catholic and charitable organizations, like the Catholic Women’s League (CWL) for 69 years. As well she was an active member of the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) for 30 years, taking on various roles such as the executive or leading Interest groups. She and Ken were faithful friends of the Precious Blood Sisters Community for more than 50 years. She and Ken also volunteered, pushing and helping patients at care homes, such as at the Carewest Sarcee for many years, continuing doing this well into their 80s. She was also part of a Book Club as well as past Dinner Clubs.

Helen worked as a grade 1-12 teacher at various schools in Calgary Catholic throughout her career. She was proud of her teaching career, and loved her students. Helen was a loving person who took a genuine interest in everyone she met. This impressed many people as well as her charm and intellect, even at such an advanced age. People have referred to her as a curious, confident, and intelligent woman. In addition to her intellect, she had a strong faith, wit, and humor. Even up until her passing, Helen was cracking jokes and making everyone laugh. She would answer, “Like a tiger!” in the hospital whenever someone asked her how she was feeling, and asked, “Are we having fun yet?” as the nurses and doctors worked diligently with her. She (and Ken) read the Bible and prayed the Rosary daily. She always had her Rosary beads in her hand, which she was given at age 6 in the convent. She was an avid reader, who loved to be with family and play games with them, do puzzles, and play Bridge every week with her close and devoted friends. She loved being involved in every event with her family and friends, always wanting to be part of the action. Helen was a loving, kind, and generous person who played an integral role not only in the lives of her children but also in the lives of her grandchildren, taking a deep interest in each one, from their birth all the way into adulthood. She was always willing to help in any way she could.

Helen told her family that after she passed, a hummingbird would be her sign to them. In different cultures, the hummingbird symbolizes beauty, strength, and fearlessness—qualities that perfectly reflected who Helen was.

Helen’s life was a testament to her love of her family, dedication to teaching, her unwavering faith, and her deep connections with everyone around her. She will be deeply missed by her family and everyone else who had the privilege of knowing her.

A special thank you to the amazing doctors, nurses, and hospital staff at the Arthur J.E. Child Cancer Centre for their kind support and care shown to Helen during her stay.

Prayer Services will be held at Holy Name Catholic Church (2223 - 34 St. SW) on Monday, April 7, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Name Catholic Church  on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. For those who were unable to attend in person, a recording will be available below.

If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the Alberta Cancer Foundation at https://www.calgaryhealthfoundation.ca/ or any cancer research foundation of your choice.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Helen Anna (Meyer) Beckie, please visit our floral store.