Obituary of Helen Constance WERBISKY (nee Gilfoy)

July 15, 1926 – Calgary, Alberta
January 27, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with a mixture of joy and sorrow that we announce that on Monday, January 27, 2020, Helen Werbisky left us and stepped into eternity. She died at peace surrounded by her family. Helen was predeceased by Carl, her loving husband of sixty-seven years, in 2018, and was the cherished mother of Carol (Rick), Patti-Jean, Ron (Maureen), Michael (Diane) and Beth.

Helen was born in Calgary on July 15, 1926 the fourth child of Sylvester and Nell (O’Brien) Gilfoy. They were prosperous Americans of Irish ancestry who came to Calgary from Eau Claire, Wisconsin. From them, Helen inherited a rich sense of the joy of life and the welcome of western hospitality. Despite changes in the family’s circumstances, Helen had a happy childhood, skating on a backyard rink, picnicking in Bowness Park and riding ponies. She graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1944 as president of her class. After attending business school she moved to Edmonton to work as a ticket agent for Trans Canada Airlines. It was there that she met Carl. In honour of Helen’s Irish heritage, they were engaged on St. Patrick’s Day and were married in August 1950. The couple and their young family moved to Calgary in 1958 and were founding members of St. Michael’s Catholic Community. Helen was a loving wife and a devoted mother. She also had a deep love for her eight grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren. She circled all their lives with the prayers of her precious rosary.

In 1972 the family moved to an acreage in Springbank and the couple enjoyed twenty- six years of country living. With all the children in school, Helen felt restless so she returned to work and always ambitious, when she retired she was Alberta Manager for Woodward’s Travel. In her own words, however, her greatest accomplishments were her children’s successes. She showed her love through cooking so family gatherings always brought her joy. Her face would light up when a family member or friend walked through the front door. Helen had a wonderful laugh, a good sense of humour, and always had time to listen with interest and compassion, whether on the telephone or over a cup of tea.

Helen was competitive and enjoyed a good game of tennis or golf and loved playing cards. She and Carl spent many happy Friday nights playing games with friends and they were Charter members of the Springbank Heritage Club. Helen loved a game of crib and was still part of a bridge club. She and Carl took several interesting cruises and had many happy holidays in Mexico and Hawaii. Helen travelled to Russia, Columbia and Egypt as part of her job, and she was delighted by her two weeks in Ireland in 2001. Her happiest memories however, were camping trips with her family at Lake Windermere. Life with Helen in it was always fun.

After Carl’s death, Helen faced life with as much courage and optimism as she could muster but she was lonely without her Polish Prince. As age and infirmity crept up on her she did her best to remain cheerful and would eagerly welcome guests to her home. Helen radiated joy and encouragement and will be greatly missed by her family and many friends. The family would like to extend special thanks to all those who cared for Helen so lovingly in her last days.

Funeral Mass will be concelebrated at St. Michael Catholic Community (800 – 85th Street SW, Calgary, AB) on Friday, February 21, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at St. Michael's Columbarium. Reception to follow at Wild Wild West Event Centre (67 Commercial Court, Calgary, AB - Across from Calaway Park) from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Helen’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Streets Alive Mission in Lethbridge, AB, at www.streetsalive.ca/donate/.

A tree will be planted in living memory of Helen Werbisky. McInnis and Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive S.W., Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.