Obituary of Helen Hleuka

June 14, 1931 - Coleman, Alberta

July 26, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Helen Hleuka, beloved mother of Terry Hleuka and Kathleen Soles, passed away peacefully with her children by her side on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at the age of 92 years.

Helen was born in Coleman in the Crowsnest Pass area of Alberta to mother Pearl. Her father Paul passed away months before Helen was born. Following Paul’s death, his brother John emigrated from Poland, and they became his own family. During high school in Coleman, she met the handsome ‘new boy in town’, Ron Hleuka. They married in 1950 and moved from Crowsnest Pass to Calgary, where Kathleen and Terry were born. This began Helen’s lifelong love affair with Calgary.

She celebrated the Calgary Stampede every year for 73 years and attended a Stampede Breakfast just weeks before her passing. Helen kept an immaculate home in Willow Park and enjoyed gardening, entertaining, aquacise and shopping. She maintained deep friendships from her early days in Crowsnest Pass and created a close circle of friends in Calgary. Helen was also devoted to her children, granddaughter Natasha, her nieces, nephews, and their children. She eagerly participated in many family birthdays, weddings, and showers. In 2018 Ron and Helen moved to Swan Evergreen Village. Helen continued to live happily at Swan Evergreen following Ron’s death, immersing herself in the many classes, activities, and events.

Helen was predeceased by her brother Johnny Pachkowski, mother Pearl, uncle John, aunt Sophie Florean and husband Ron Hleuka. She is survived by daughter Kathleen Soles (Ian), granddaughter Natasha Soles (Edmonton), son Terry Hleuka (Claresholm) and her beloved nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.  

In living memory of Helen Hleuka, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.