HELEN MARGARET PATTERSON

NOVEMBER 15, 1918 – SEPTEMBER 5, 2017

“Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother -  A woman loved, and a life truly lived”

 

Helen was born in Kinistino, Saskatchewan. She was the eldest of four daughters born to Annie (Swail) Burns and Westley Begg Johnston – a World War I Armistice baby. Helen’s early childhood was spent in various small towns in Saskatchewan where her father developed his career in banking. The family moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1928 where she, Audrey, Betty and Maida grew up and completed their schooling. Helen graduated from the Winnipeg General Hospital School of Nursing. While nursing she met her husband Dan who was stationed at the Canadian Military Training Base, Camp Shilo, where he had contracted the mumps and had been hospitalized. They were married in 1943. She began working as a Public Health Nurse in McCreary, Manitoba as the pay was better than in an urban hospital. Her work in the northern interlake region entailed many interesting experiences and adventures and resulted in lasting friendships. Following the end of the war and Dan`s vocational training in Chicago, Helen and Dan started their life together in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. In 1949 they moved to nearby Foam Lake, where Helen supported Dan in their successful paint and floor covering contracting business. In 1955 the family and business relocated to Moose Jaw, leaving a close community and life long friends. In Moose Jaw Helen`s focus was raising five children while also being an active member of Zion United Church (Jubilee Unit), the Philharmonic choir, the Wilson MacDonald Poetry Society and numerous book clubs. In 1975 Helen and Dan moved to their ranch, Kirkwall Moor, near Spring Valley, making many new friends locally and in the beef industry and enjoyed travel in the United States and Europe associated with the importation of Simmental cattle. Their move to Regina in 1983 involved a new career for Dan and a resumed nursing-related career for Helen with Wascana Home Care. Retirement from those vocations allowed a wider variety of activities and interests, the foremost associated with their growing tribe of grandchildren. Much travel involved their grandchildren`s sports and cultural activities. Helen as a life-long learner attended numerous classes at the Senior`s University, enjoyed the Regina Symphony Orchestra, book clubs, volunteer work with the Wesley Wheelers, and reading programs with children. Helen`s dedication to family and her nursing identity were woven into the fabric of her life…end of life care-giving began with her father and continued with many close family members over the years. Helen was predeceased by her beloved husband Dan; her parents Annie and Westley Johnston and sisters Audrey Murray and Elizabeth Reimer. She is survived by her sister Maida Evans; her sons George Westley (Colleen), Daniel Duncan (Corinne), John Campbell McEwan (Sheila) and Marshall Laird Patterson (Maxine Lohmeyer, Magdalena Petz); her daughter Sheila Margaret Patterson Dickey (Rod); her grandchildren Megan Anne (Sean), Hugh George Horner (Janne), Duncan Westley, Stephen Daniel, David Roy, Ian Laird McEwan, Heather Lea, Daniel James, Rebecca Elisabeth, Colin Thomas Armstrong, Breanna Leigh (Matt), Marinda Anne (Phil),  Rhys Roderick (Lauren), Michaela Jo; and her great-grandchildren Kane, George and John Osmar, Beth and Mac Patterson, Adelynn and Rory Dickey, Aria Kavanaugh and many well loved nieces and nephews. Helen was a strong woman of great curiosity, influence and conviction. She was loved by her many family members and friends. She will be missed but never forgotten. The family is very grateful for the loving care that Helen received form the staff at the Bentley Retirement Residence and her most recent residence Chez Nous. We would also like to thank Dr. Aletta VanHeerden for her kindness and assistance. A Celebration of Helen`s life will take place on Saturday November 18, 2017 at 1:30 PM at Zion United Church 423 Main St N, Moose Jaw. A reception will follow. Any contributions made in Helen`s memory could be directed to Oxfam Canada, 39 McArthur Ave, Ottawa, ON K1L 8L7 or a similar organization furthering the welfare of the world`s children. In living memory of Helen, a memorial planting will be made by W. J. Jones & Son Funeral Home. Please sign the memorial register at website: www.wjjonesandson.com (Obituaries). Dayna Chamberlain - Funeral Director