TO ALL THE KIND PEOPLE who have sent emails and personal messages to myself and my sister Cindy…

This has been so hard on all of our family, I just want to say THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT throughout the past four months.

Helene was a terrific mother and friend, A BRIGHT LIGHT in the lives of all who knew her.☀️

She will be missed by so many.

Three days before Mum passed

Quietly Mum was slowy talking… and then she said to me while holding my hand and Cindy’s "IM SCARED!"

I said "don't be scared Mum... Cindy and I are here with you right now"…… And then.... her focus was gone, eyes open and unresponsive to my voice.

I whispered in her ear “how much we love her and that Mia & Grandma are waiting for you” she focused to me for a minute then to the ceiling once again.

She has the most incredible strength in her neck to keep her head up and eyes to the celling, Cindy looks at me… her focus on Mum’s blue motionless hands. We understand she is getting ready to leave us. We cry… and cry.

I kiss her cheek and cool her forehead with a cool cloth, I know she feels it and we hear Jason Glass’s CHUCKWAGON race replay from last night on TV. He captures a track record with his 4 beautiful horses, the crowd roars. Mum loved Jason Glass and the infamous Buddy Bensmiller and the Sutherland Drivers! Nothing like the Stampede rangeland durby!

We call the nurse and ask her to call Mum’s hospice Dr Larissa. The Dr approves another medication to calm Mum’s breathing and help her relax more.

The care team helps us understand the end of life is near and they tell us to take care of ourselves, rest and get some sleep. I’m so proud of my sister being able to cope with this, day by day, we stay strong for our Mum❤️

Mum passes away 2 1/2 days later…

Jason Glass wins, champion of the 2024 stampede CHUCKWAGON races! Mum would have been so excited!

Brenda McAllister

So many fond memories over the last 50 years. Loved our visit last year.

Our sincere condolences Veronica and family. Your Mum was a beautiful lady with an unforgettable smile. She will be missed. May she rest in peace.

All our love,

Brenda and Dave

I didn't know Helene that well, but my dad (Gary Shand) always spoke so fondly of her. They enjoyed their backyard talks over the last 10 years as well as phone calls and visits from Helene and Mia in Dad's kitchen in the last few years. There would always be a doggy treat bag on the kitchen table for Mia.

My sincere condolences go out to Veronica, Cindy, and all the family. I'm so grateful that Dad was able to have a visit with Helene at Agape a couple of weeks ago.

Helene, I'm sure you and Mia are now enjoying your walks together again. Thank you for being such an amazing friend to my dad. You are going to be extremely missed by all your family and your friends.

Sincerely,

Amy Shand

Helene, I'm going to miss not being able to talk to you on the phone and not having visits with you anymore. I've enjoyed spending time with you over the last 10 years. I know that you are once again enjoying your long walks with Mai. I'm so glad that Veronica and Cindy were with you over the last few months. You are going to be extremely missed by everyone, including me. Love Gary Shand.