Obituary of Helen Florence Routledge

June 23, 1926 – Millet, Alberta

July 14, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Helen Routledge of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 14, 2024, at the age of 98 years. Her beloved husband Peter predeceased her in 2014.

Helen is survived by her sons, Michael and David (Laurie); grandson Jeffrey, and numerous nieces and nephews. Helen was the last of her family, with eight siblings predeceasing her, and is survived by her brother-in-law, Gerry Young.

Helen was born in Millet, AB, on June 23, 1926, where she attended public school. After graduating high school, she worked in the Bank of Commerce in Millet, then in Calgary, where she lived with her sister Gladys.

Helen attended the Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) School of Nursing in Edmonton, graduating in 1952. Helen was proud of her involvement in nursing care and in promoting nutrition. She remained lifelong friends with her RAH alumni. Helen met her future husband Peter Routledge while attending the RAH School of Nursing. Peter emigrated to Canada from Great Britain in 1952 and settled in Edmonton. Helen and Peter were married in Millet in May 1955.

They lived in Vancouver, BC, Seattle, WA, and San Diego, CA, before settling in Calgary in 1962, where they raised their sons. In 1993, they retired to Grand Forks, BC. They enjoyed life in a smaller community; Helen played her piano, enjoyed gardening, made many good friends in the community, and enjoyed exercise at the swimming facilities there.

Helen had a passion for classical and early popular music. She enjoyed playing her grand piano, often daily, which she played frequently throughout her life.

Helen and Peter’s favourite vacations were their camper trips to Fairmont Hot Springs in BC and adventures to Mexico with their lifetime friends, Edna and Richard Futcher. Edna had been Helen's bridesmaid and was also from Millet.

Helen was much loved and leaves numerous relatives and friends to mourn her passing.

Funeral Services will be held at St. David’s United Church (3303 Capitol Hill Crescent NW, Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Graveside Service to follow on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at Millet Community Cemetery.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Alzheimer Society of Calgary, 800, 7015 Macleod Trail S.W., Calgary, AB T2H 2K6, Telephone: (403) 290-0110, www.alzheimercalgary.com.

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

In living memory of Helen Routledge, 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.