Helen was born March 6, 1933, in the small northern BC community of Port Simpson, north of Prince Rupert. She grew up in several different towns in the area before attending nursing school in Kamloops in the 1950’s. She nursed in Vancouver, Campbell River and Comox where she met her forever love and husband, Donald. At the time Don was in the Air Force and their oldest son, Dean, was born in Comox in 1963. Five years later a transfer took them to Cold Lake, Alberta. After Don retired from the military, they moved to Edmonton where their youngest son Todd (m. Tina, daughter Sarah, son Dyson) was born in 1969, and they settled in for 25 years. Retirement took them back out to the west coast to Parksville for another 25 years, before finally reuniting with their sons in Victoria. A kidney transplant recipient in 2001, she and Don took excellent care of her health to ensure the new organ was successful. Helen was a lover of all things books, knowledge, and armchair philosophy. She lived her life without regret, she loved and supported so many unconditionally and was always game for a new adventure, no matter where that took her. Helen is also survived by her younger brother, Bill and his wife Mary, in Nanaimo, BC.
Helen passed away peacefully after a short stay in the hospital surrounded by her family on February 2, 2022, at the age of 88.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Joan (Polvi) Glazier
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Jane (Polvi) Lodewijkx Uncle Don-Sending warm hugs and lots of love with my sincerest condolences. Aunt Helen’s smile and kind words are what I remember most. She cared and showed genuine interest in everything I was involved in and I will always treasure the memories. As you now navigate a new chapter without Helen physically at your side, I hope it will help you to know how loved and admired you are.
To Todd & Tina and Dean-so sorry for the loss of your mom. I know she thought the world of you. May you keep her love in your hearts, always.
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Jillan Valpy Dear Dean, Todd, Tina and Don,
Our deepest condolences to your whole family. Although we seldom had chances to see Helen, we remember her as a kind and thoughtful person.
Thinking of you all at this difficult time with warm thoughts and prayers.
Love, Jillan and Dave Cook
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Rick and Terri Campion Mr Polvi, Dean, Todd, Tina and family. May you all find comfort in the many beautiful memories that you harbour in your hearts of times spent with Helen, your Mom and Grandma. Terri and I send our prayers and condolences.
Rick and Terri Campion
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Lorin and Sherry Goshinmon Dear Dean and Todd and family. We send our most sincere condolences.
Uncle Don and family,
On behalf of the Harold Polvi family I would like to express our condolences on Helen’s passing. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.