Obituary of Helena C. Visser

1934 - Hilversum, Netherlands

2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Helena “Helly” Visser of Calgary, AB, passed away surrounded by her family, on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at the age of 89 years.

Helly was born in Hilversum, The Netherlands and married Kees “Keith” Visser on March 23, 1957.

Helly loved to move, play, explore and care for others. These characteristics showed throughout her life, in her youth this energy might have been a problem for her parents!!  Later these qualities were to be the basis for the strength to be a mother to Arlene, Yvonne and Eric. Lots of adventures, activities and trips to Helly’s family in Holland were always a highlight for the children.  Moving, playing and caring for children helped to make Helly a successful kindergarten teacher. 

When her children went their own way, it left Helly with more time on her hands, where she discovered what would be the highlight of her later years. She loved to run, compete and discover what life had in store for her. She competed at the Masters level Provincial, National and World Championships and was wildly successful. She was an inspiration for generations of runners. In her running travels, she arrived home with many awards, including World Champion and World Record holder...more than once! Many friends were an inspiration for her, she loved to learn from them and become better at whatever she chose.  

Helly will be lovingly remembered by her husband Keith, and children, Arlene, Yvonne, and Eric; grandchildren, Karl and Anna-Marie; and great-grandchildren, Olivia and Morgan. She is also remembered by her siblings and their families, Wil Doest Delsasso, Kees Delsasso, and Margo Deneken Delsasso (predeceased) all of the The Netherlands.

If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers memorial tributes may be made directly to Right To Play, website: www.righttoplay.ca, telephone 416-213-0910.

In living memory of Helly Visser, 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.