Obituary of Helen WALKER

April 28, 1926 – Edmonton, Alberta

March 7, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

The family of Helen Walker announces her passing on Saturday, March 7, 2020 at the age of 93 after a long and good life.

Helen was predeceased by her husband, Wilfred (Vav), her parents, David and Passie Riskin, and her three older siblings, Sam Riskin (Tedi), Dora Finkelman (Jack) and Clara Riskin. She is survived by her four children, Morley (Gail Marchessault), Nadine Waldman (Hartley), Janet Shore (Michael) and Steven (Nicky), seven grandchildren, Sari, Brianna, Jordan, Alexis (Kyne), David (Hannah), Ethan and Spencer, and two great-grandchildren, Wilfred and Albert.

Helen was born and raised in Edmonton, where she felt nothing but love from her parents and older siblings. She studied home economics at the University of Alberta, graduating in 1946 with the gold medal. She married Vav Wachnow on December 30, 1950. In 52 years of marriage, they raised four children and lived in several prairie cities as Vav plied his profession as a geophysicist in the oil industry. The family landed in Calgary in 1967 and stayed.

Helen devoted herself to her husband, her children, her grandchildren and her friends. She started working as a dietitian at the old General Hospital in 1970. After six months, she moved over to the Holy Cross, where she stayed until she retired at age 63 in 1989. On the home front, she was most proud of her excellent cooking, baking and her Friday night dinners. She loved people and was kind and generous to all, never forgetting a family member’s birthday. She and Vav enjoyed 15 years of retirement, taking morning walks and going for afternoon coffee with their friends. Helen took excellent care of Vav during his final years, and lived on her own for another 12 years before moving to Trinity Lodge at age 88. She continued to play bridge regularly with her girlfriends until her passing.

The family would like to thank all caregivers for their excellent care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

The funeral will be held at the Beth Tzedec Synagogue (1325 Glenmore Trail S.W.) on Tuesday, March 10 at 12 p.m. with interment to follow at the Beth Tzedec Cemetery.  Shiva will be held at the residence of Nadine Waldman.

Arrangements in care of the CHEVRA KADISHA OF CALGARY, Telephone:  403-244-4717.