Obituary of Helen Emilie Martin

September 29, 1937 - Regina, Saskatchewan

May 28, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Helen Emilie Martin of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 28, 2023. Helen was proud to be a devoted Catholic and was ready to be called by God into everlasting life. She will be lovingly missed by family and friends.

Helen Emilie was born to Paul and Olga (Kawuza) Koszman in Tribune, Saskatchewan on September 29, 1938 and after losing her mother Olga due to illness/stroke at eight she was raised by her grandparents Nick and grandma Kawuza in Regina, SK. She attended St. Basil's Church in Regina and completed a Secretary Course at Balfour Technical High School in Regina. She worked at Ford Motor Co. and later transferred to Edmonton, AB.

She met the love of her life, Harry Martin, and set in motion an over 46-year love story and life journey. Married on November 29, 1960, they eventually moved to St. Albert, AB. Their happy home welcomed two beautiful loving daughters, Tammie- Marie and Janet-Lynne who they absolutely adored. Harry worked for Pacific Western Airlines and Emily continued at Ford Motor Co. and they lived there for many years and loved their children, home and community. While raising the children she enrolled in McEwen College to complete her Early Childhood Assistant Program.

She enjoyed baking, gardening, especially flowers and tomatoes, crafts, dancing at weddings and Malankas, visiting Saskatchewan family and their get togethers and visits. It was her gift at Sarcee Care West, Calgary to grow beautiful flowers so palliative care could enjoy the beauty. She enjoyed going to Wednesday Tea with Palliative care patients. Their many adventures and activities with the girls kept their life very busy. Harry was transferred to Calgary with Air Canada in 1984. They moved into their dream home in Lake Bonavista. They used the lake regularly and the girls were enrolled in many activities which kept Helen Emilie and Harry very busy and proud watching their daughters grow up, but not without the challenges of parenting.

While the girls were in school, she had odd jobs and then was hired by Calgary Catholic School District as a Special Needs Aid, and she worked many years at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Bowness. She was very caring, organized and activity oriented which made the children love her and vice versa. She then went to Bishop Carol to work at their Book Shop. She had a gift of decorating classrooms, doors for every season.

She retired as Harry, having some health issues, wanted them to spend time together. Their many rides to the mountains and communities outside Calgary especially to Kananaskis were special. They had travelled to the Baltic countries pre children and later Emilie traveled with Tammie-Marie to Hawaii, later with Janet-Lynne to the Caribbean, and then with her sister-in-law to Whitehorse to visit Harry's brother. She loved people, adventure and travelling. Christmas and Easter with family at her house or later years at Tammie- Marie’s were very special. Birthday celebrations and dinners were her thing.

Her grandchildren were the apples of their lives. Almost every weekend in the early years, they had Dillon and Chantelle over for the weekends and involved them in activities galore, such wonderful years for all. Then Charlie and Colton came on the scene for grandma which was a great gift. More love and laughter, fun and games. 

Helen Emilie had an accident April 9th, 2007 which changed her life as she became a paraplegic, but that didn't stop her. She already had lost Harry and then sold the large home and purchased a smaller one and was so proud of her independence in doing this. Never saying no, she began to continue her life in a different manner. She moved into Sarcee Care West in November 2006 where she began a new but different life, a positive attitude and with a new beginning. She began painting, going to symphony, stick curling, dinner theater, was a member of the Paraplegic Society and competed at the Scotiabank yearly Marathon with grandchild, Chantelle and Godchild, Bergen. She continued her shopping trips and lunches out. She wouldn't miss a Sunday Mass or liturgy (loved the music of Linda and the St. Stephen choir and all choirs). She was a member of the UCWL for 15 years and previously UCW. She volunteered and participated in so many ways. The gift who wouldn't stop giving, many loving friend bonds were formed.

She was able to purchase a handi-bus and later a van and have Tammie-Marie ferry her many places as well as Care West regular handy bus trips, as she was not stoppable. Covid was hard on many seniors and that included her. Her family, especially grandchildren, friends and wonderful caregivers were there for her as she needed that support to continue to find her happy, smiling, joking, loving self to be there for others.

Thank you to the Sarcee Carewest management, caregivers, and staff for 16 years of support.

Helen Emilie is remembered by her daughters, Tammie-Marie Callan (Don) and Janet-Lynne Martin; and loving grandchildren, Dillon, Chantelle, Colton Callan and Charlie McRudden; step-sister, Pauline (Leo) and family; step-brother, Victor Koszman (Kim) and family; aunts, Bertha, Cristine, and Betty; many nieces, nephews, cousins and God children; and Harry's step-sisters and brothers; as well as many loving, laughing friends especially Diane, Jim, Bryon and Nettie.

She was predeceased by parents Olga and Paul, stepmother Helen, Grandpa Nick and Grandma Kawuza,  and her husband Harry.

Our hearts are inspired by her love of God, family and friends and her passion for life through many challenges. Eternal Memory.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street N, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6) on Monday, June 12, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with Prayers to follow at 6:00 p.m.   

Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at St. Stephen Protomartyr Ukrainian Catholic Church (4903 – 45th Street S.W., Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow at St. Stephen Protomartyr Ukrainian Catholic Church (4903 – 45th Street S.W., Calgary, AB).

Internment will take place on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at St. Albert Catholic Cemetery (7A St Vital Avenue, St. Albert, AB T8N 1K1) at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes can be made to Calgary Humane Society 4455 110 Ave SE Calgary AB T2C 2T7, ukrainesupport@protomartyr.ca; Spinal Cord Injury Canada, https://sci-can.ca/donate

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

In Living Memory of Helen Emilie Martin, 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 Martin's Memorial Card