Obituary of Helen Lehto

April 12, 1922 - Rochester, Alberta

December 27, 2021 - Calgary, Alberta

Helen Lehto (nee Sloniowski) of Calgary, AB, passed away on Monday, December 27, 2021, at the age of 99 years.

Please join the family to celebrate a life fully lived. Helen was born the fourth of six children in the family home on their homestead near Rochester, AB, north of Edmonton. The family worked hard on the homestead, and the kids walked miles to a one room schoolhouse. She worked briefly in Calgary as a “soda jerk” before she met Norman at a dance in Perryvale; they were married in 1948. Norm worked in the oil industry and together they travelled from wellsite to wellsite, living on the lease sites, first in a leaky trailer, then in a “skid house” that moved throughout the province. In 1956, the family moved to their NW Calgary home near the open fields that were north of 16th Avenue. Helen had three girls, Carol, Vivian, and Elaine, who all still live in Calgary. Helen loved to golf and bowl. She was a long-time member of St. Pius X Church and enjoyed her activities with the Catholic Women’s League St. Rita’s group. Helen provided wonderful care for Norm in his final years and after, Carol provided love and care as Helen faced difficulties in her final years. Helen showed us daily how to live a life of honesty, humility, and humour. She created a warm and loving home where her cooking skills were famous. She loved having a table surrounded by family to enjoy her meals. She has been the beacon and light of the family. Helen will remain in our hearts forever.

A Private Graveside Service was held at Queen’s Park Cemetery.

Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Helen Lehto, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.