Obituary of Helen Heisler (nee Weisbeck)

July 18, 1922 – Allan, Saskatchewan
August 11, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Helen Heisler of Calgary, AB, passed away at Mount Royal Care Centre on Wednesday, August 11, 2021 at the age of 99 years.

Helen was born on a farm just outside Allan, SK, the eldest surviving daughter of the ten children of Florian and Regina (nee Garman) Weisbeck. 

On October 17, 1942, Helen married Victor Heisler, to whom she was a loving wife for sixty years, until his passing in 2002. In 1950 Helen, Vic, and their son Ron moved from Bradwell, SK to Calgary. Helen accomplished much through her life. Given her modest grade six education, she was articulate and devoured novels with a passion. Later in life, Helen travelled extensively with Vic and their friend Vi Frey; hiked the mountains with exuberance, and was an avid cross-country skier. Being the eldest daughter, she often cooked for the family and at harvest time for the thrashing crews. Although she was seldom able to provide accurate, written recipes, what she served was always delicious and enjoyed by many. 

Off and on over the years Helen was self-employed as a housekeeper.  Overtime she was so proficient and sought after that her clientele consisted of the more prominent families of Calgary. Helen also enjoyed gardening and protecting her geraniums from Calgary’s summer severe weather and hail. 

Helen is survived by her sons, Ron and Greg of Calgary, AB; her grand-daughter Jessie of Red Deer, AB and numerous nieces and nephews, including her beloved niece Laurie Ann Cody, and her godsons, Alan Cody of Saskatoon, SK and Brian Kinahan of Taber, AB as well as many friends. Helen was predeceased by all her brothers and sisters. 

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Cathedral (219 – 18th Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Reception across from the Church at the FCJ Centre. Following the reception, a Graveside Funeral will be held at Eden Brook Memorial Gardens. A Memorial Mass will be offered at St. Benedict’s Monastery in Winnipeg, MB on Wednesday, August 18, 2021. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on here.

If friends and family so desire, in lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to Mount Royal Long Term Care Centre (Staff Appreciation Fund), 1813 9th St SW, Calgary, AB, T2T 3C2. Tel. (403) 244-8994, and/or to St. Benedict’s Monastery, 225 Masters Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R4A 2A1. Tel. (204) 338-4601.

A special thanks with much appreciation is extended to Jennie Martin, Helen’s friend, personal companion and caregiver for more than four years while in hospital and living at Mount Royal Care Centre. The family is very grateful for the many caregivers Helen came to know at the centre. Special acknowledgements of appreciation are also extended to M.R.C.C. Executive Directors, Clare Hildebrandt and MaryAnn Clearwaters, as well as the Recreation Manager, Donna Making and Nurse Carmelita Bareng.

In living memory of Helen Heisler, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.