Obituary of ARTHUR – Helen Louise

February 12, 1912 – November 8, 2009 Helen Louise Arthur (nee Grant) beloved wife of the late Clive Arthur (1915-1975), passed away on Sunday, November 8, 2009. Helen was born near Bowden, AB, on February 12, 1912, the second of the twelve children of Gilbert and Mary (Watson) Grant. She moved with them to Calgary in 1924 and has lived here since then. During the Depression she worked for the AP Grain as a comptometer & switchboard operator, was courted by Clive and waited for years before they could afford to marry. She is survived by her five children, Alan (Ginny), Mora (John McCardell), Ross, Mary and Gael, by nine grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, three sisters and a brother, out of town, and, in Calgary, her youngest brother Fred Grant (Gwen). She was predeceased by her daughter-in-law, Ruth. The last surviving members of the “7th Street Sewing Circle”, Helen became the matriarch of the extensive Grant clan on the death of her mother in 1986. With thirty-six surviving nieces and nephews and scores of great-nieces and -nephews, most of whom received birthday cards from her, she was the center of a huge family network even as her life became more physically circumscribed. Her family parties only slowly diminished in size and scale, as her energy levels decreased. Until her final illness, she lived on her own in a condo to which she moved twelve years ago, when keeping up the large family home became more demanding than she wanted. She was always making new friends, something she explained was necessary as one aged and attended “too many funerals”, and the circle of children in her life was regularly increased by introductions made by her daughter Mary. As her end approached, her children were amazed at the large numbers of cards and letters that arrived from people across the continent, expressing love and appreciation for her place in their lives. Until age afflicted her hearing, she was a dedicated concert-goer, and read avidly until her last few weeks. Her interest in the world around her made her conversation lively and enjoyable and ensured a regular parade of visitors. She was an exemplar of the art of growing old gracefully. A celebration of her life is planned for the late spring or early summer of 2010. If you wish to be notified of this event, please contact helenlouisearthur@me.com. Her family wishes to express their thanks and appreciation for the kind and efficient care of the staff of Unit #71 of the Rockyview Hospital and of Sarcee Hospice during her final days. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made by cheque to the Calgary Pro Musica Society, PO Box 61330, RPO Brentwood, Calgary, AB, T2L 2K6. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Helen Arthur, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.