Obituary of Catherine Frances Van Helden

June 18, 1932 – Banff, Alberta

February 11, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Tina was born in Banff, AB. Her parents were Frank and Georgia Christou. She is predeceased by two brothers, George and Gogo. She is survived by her brother Jim (Norma) from Victoria. Frank was the first Greek to settle in Banff. The Christou homes on Otter Street and Caribou Street were constantly visited upon by Greeks both new to town and visiting Banff’s mountain splendour. Tina’s love for family and entertaining grew from those early days. She was intensely proud of her heritage, gaining strength from her parents’ mission in a new country and the love of family.

As a young woman, fate would have Tina riding as a passenger in a schoolteacher’s vehicle driving down Highway 1. The teacher stopped to pick up a hitchhiking fisherman, Dave Van Helden. The road led to Calgary for Tina and Dave, where they raised four children, Doug (Colleen), Giorgia, Pam Berry (Chris), and Sandra. Family blessing continued for Tina as she guided her children in a magical home of nurturing and happiness. Friends were always welcomed in her homes, and they felt welcomed. Many came for Tina’s renowned gourmet cooking and left with a belly full of joy.

Tragically, Sandra died in 1998. The loss was a hard side of life, but Tina kept strong for all of us.

Tina was a grand entertainer and a revered gourmet cook. She loved her Scrabble, played a strong game of bridge, volunteered with The Samaritan Club, travelled the world, even dabbled in watercolour painting while spending treasured years at her Windermere cabin.

She leaves a trove of love for her grandchildren, Daniel, Rebecca, Catherine, Andrew, Stephanie, William, and Annette. She leaves all who knew her with the strengths of accepting people, being confident and honest with oneself, and love.

Pneumonia took our spiritual icon quickly. Her mind was sharp to the end. Tina died with dignity and peace with her family by her side.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Samaritan’s Club of Calgary – Canada, Suite 503, 1500 - 14th St. SW, Calgary AB, T3C 1C9, www.samaritanclub.ca

Many thanks extend to the tremendous medical team, led by Dr. Pannu, at The Peter Lougheed Hospital. Tina’s wishes are for a private family funeral with a celebration of her life with “lots of people” to be held at a later date.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Catherine’s family here.

In living memory of Catherine Van Helden, 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.