Obituary of Magdalena Ivica Hellebrand

May 27, 1943 – Zilina, Slovakia

May 14, 2022 – Calgary, Alberta

Magdalena Hellebrand, beloved wife of William Hellebrand, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Saturday, May 14, 2022, at the age of 78 years.

Magdalena was born in Zilina, Slovakia, on May 27, 1943. Magdalena and William were married in 1960 and they emigrated from Slovakia in 1968 directly to Calgary.

Magdalena was known for numerous achievements in the field of early childhood education, primarily as Director. Magdalena served on numerous boards and committees, including the Canadian Child Care Association. She worked for Licencing across Alberta. She made significant contributions to the Head Start program supporting Indigenous childcare. Magdalena was recognized nationally and by Prime Minister Brian Mulroney for creating innovative daycare design at the Calgary Herald and Churchhill Park Child Care Development Centre. Magdalena enjoyed mushroom foraging and gardening.

Magdalena’s most memorable vacation was when she returned to Slovakia with her Husband, William.

Besides her loving husband William, Magdalena is survived by her three daughters, Ingrid, Dolly, and Liza; three grandchildren, William, Riley, and Scarlet; and two great-grandchildren, Torren and Koraline. Magdalena was predeceased by her daughter Monika; her parents, Bozena and Ladislav Lesny, her grandparents, Irena and Karol Vojta; and her brother Jan Lesny of Slovakia.

The family will be holding a Celebration Of Life and Graveside service at a later date.

In living memory of Magdalena Hellebrand, 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.