Obituary of Sr. Helen Frances Kampel, FCJ

January 28, 1935 – September 2, 2022

Sr. Helen Kampel, a Faithful Companion of Jesus, died peacefully on Sept. 2, 2022, in Calgary.

Sr. Helen Frances Kampel was born and raised in Calgary. Her early years were spent in Bridgeland where she attended St. Angela’s School. From Gr. 7-12, her family lived on a farm just outside the city. She completed her high school studies at St. Mary’s Girls’ School. Helen entered religious life with the Faithful Companions of Jesus at Sacred Heart Convent in February 1954 and made her vows two years later. In 1959 she was missioned to the USA: first to Providence Rhode Island and then to Fitchburg, MA where she taught in elementary schools and continued her studies. She spent a year in Manchester, England in the mid –1960’s and then returned to Fitchburg. From 1981-1995 Sr. Helen was missioned to St Philomena School in Portsmouth, Rhode Island where she taught kindergarten.  From 1984-1985 she enjoyed a year of spiritual studies in Broadstairs, Kent, England.

Then she lived in a small community in Fall River, MA and continued teaching at St. Philomena School. In 1995, a sabbatical time in New Mexico was much appreciated before she was missioned in 1996 to Tuscaloosa, AL. There, Helen volunteered in several local schools and at the hospital. She was integral to the formation and encouragement of the FCJ Companions in Mission. She was an active member of St Francis Parish and of particular support to the university students in a variety of ways. Her culinary skills were a gift to many, and her welcoming, outgoing nature enabled her to offer hospitality and kindness to the people she met along her way. In 2011 Sr. Helen had a serious accident which required a year of rehabilitation.  For health reasons, she returned to Calgary in 2012. She quickly began volunteering at St. Monica’s School, the Calgary Public Library’s program for English conversation with immigrants and Agape Hospice.

She participated in a number of FCJ Centre programs and used her artistic and baking skills to enrich community life. Her strong faith empowered her on her journey with cancer. She was very grateful for the prayerful and loving support she received from her FCJ Sisters, Companions in Mission, nieces, nephews, FCJ Centre Staff and countless friends. The FCJ Sisters in Calgary would like to express deep gratitude and appreciation for the skilled, loving care Sr. Helen received from the nurses at Sacred Heart Convent, the medical personnel at Rocky View Hospital and at Agape Hospice. May Helen rest in peace.

Prayers and Tributes will be held at Sacred Heart Convent (219 19 Ave SW., Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, September 7, 2022 at 7:30 p.m.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Convent Chapel (219 19 Ave SW., Calgary, AB) on Thursday, September 8, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Graveside Service will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Sr. Helen’s Mass streamed live on the day of the Mass www.McInnisandHolloway.com. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories, and photos may also be shared and viewed there.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Agapé Hospice, 1302 - 8 Avenue N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1B8, Telephone: (403) 282-6588 or to the FCJ Christian Life Centre, 219 19 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2S 0C8, Telephone: (403) 228-4215, www.fcjcentre.ca.

In living memory of Helen Kampel, 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.

Click Here to View Helen Kampel's Memorial Card

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On behalf of McInnis & Holloway we apologize for technical difficulties that occurred during the recording of the livestreaming service. Unfortunately, there is no volume during the tribute portion prior to the Funeral Mass. For your convenience we have provided the written version of this tribute in the below link.

Eulogy for Sr. Helen Kampel