Obituary of HERRINGER – Helen

June 7, 1923 – October 20, 2009 Elena Faelicia Teolis, daughter of Irma Passavanti and Angeloantonio Teolis was born in Toronto, where she attended St. Joseph’s High School and later graduated with a BA in languages from the University of Toronto. Through a nurse, who turned out to be her future husband’s sister, Helen began writing to a dashing young army captain stationed overseas, James Herringer, from Maple Creek, Sask. The casual pen pals soon deepened their correspondence, and when they met for the first time in the Toronto train station, it was love at first sight. The two were married in Toronto in 1946, and later Jim’s work with Shell brought them to Calgary in 1949. Helen and Jim had five children, and off and on during those years Helen worked in various positions in both Edmonton and Calgary. When she was in her early 60s, Helen nursed her husband Jim (1985), and her son Jay (1989), through terminal illnesses. She was also predeceased by her brothers Arnie and Hub. These losses gave her incredible resilience, and increased her love and appreciation of her life. She loved family celebrations and enjoyed travel, opera, classical music, bridge and especially, good conversation. She was a fabulous cook, and one of the original recyclers. Helen lived with lung cancer for ten months, and died with great grace, not wanting to leave her life a moment too soon. Helen’s children, Barbara (Barbara), Stephen (Donna), Michael, and Chris (Clare) will miss her terribly, but are thankful for the times they shared with her, and for having had such an intelligent and feisty mother. Helen also leaves her cherished older sister, Elda Walton of Toronto; as well as her grandchildren, Diana (Lawrence), Tim (Emi), Katharine (Ivan), Stephanie, Paul, Jay, Ben, Nic, and Lena; and many nieces and nephews who kept in touch with her over the years. We will never tire of telling stories about her life, and continuing Helen’s tradition of having a ‘happy hour’ each day. Our thanks to everyone who cared for and supported our mother on her journey: her friends and relatives both near and far including Father John Green, Gail, Katherine, Marc, Maureen, Neil, Tom and Helen Foster, Michelle, and Terry Keelan; Barbara Kearnes and the palliative care team; Christine from We Care; and everyone at the Rosedale Hospice, for their compassionate and professional care. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers at Holy Spirit Catholic Church (10827 – 24 Street S.W.) on Friday, October 23, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be Celebrated at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, (10827 – 24 Street S.W.) on Saturday, October 24, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. No flowers please, donations to Rosedale Hospice (920 – 7 A street N.W., Calgary, AB) in Helen’s name would be welcomed. In living memory of Helen Herringer, 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.