Obituary of Helen Tanyss BROWN

February 22, 1920 – Islay, Alberta February 22, 2018 – Calgary, Alberta Helen Brown passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 22, 2018 on her 98th birthday. Helen was born in Islay, Alberta and was the eldest of eight children of Jeremiah and Martha Atkinson. Helen proudly served her country as a WREN during WWII and was stationed at HMCS Cornwallis in Halifax, where she met her husband. Frank fell in love with Helen the first time they met in a movie theater in Digby, NS. Soon after the war, they married in Vancouver, BC before settling in Turner Valley, and eventually moving to Calgary where they raised five children and two grandchildren together during their fifty-seven years of marriage. Everything she did from having a family to hosting events and philanthropy work, were flawlessly executed to the highest standards. Helen always aspired to achieve the utmost; she had impeccable taste and carried herself with grace and pride every day. Without even knowing, she was a role model for so many people around her, inspiring them to be better and go further. She had an adventurous spirit and was fearless, learning late in life to water ski, downhill ski and even sky dive. Helen was a past Queen of the Daughters of the Nile Sakkara temple no. 115, and past worthy matron of the Eastern Star, in addition to her service to St. John Ambulance (OStJ) and many other organizations in her community. Helen is survived by her children and their spouses, D’Arcy and Pam, Murray and Michele, Russell and Randy and Lydia; grandchildren, Marcia (Shawn), Colin (Tanis), Stephanie (Travis), Nicolas (WeiYi), and Trevor; seven great-grandchildren; and by her sisters, Grace, Beryl and Muriel. She was an extraordinary woman who will live in our hearts and memories forever. She was predeceased by her loving husband Frank (2001); her beloved son Jay (2014); and only daughter Patricia (2017). A Memorial Service will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Fish Creek in the Reception Centre, 14441 Bannister Road S.E., Calgary, AB) on Saturday, March 17, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow at the funeral home. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made directly to St. John Ambulance, Calgary Ambassador Unit, 7236 10 St. N.E., Calgary AB. T2E 8X3. The family would like to thank all the staff at Carewest Sarcee for always taking care of her with respect and dignity. In living memory of Helen Brown, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road S.E., Calgary, AB Telephone: 403-256-9575.