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March 16, 1927 - May 9, 2020
With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our Mother, Grandmother, Great-grandmother and Aunt, Helen Louisa Huryn on Saturday, May 9th, 2020 at the age of 93. Helen was born on March 16, 1927 in Michel, BC. She was the only girl in a family of five siblings and the last surviving member of her immediate family. She was predeceased by her parents Ben and Giusoppina Volpatti, brothers Oscar (Ben), Lino (Guchy), Gino and Johnny, and her husband of 42 years, Andy.
Helen and Andy were married on September 6, 1952 at St. Michael's church in Natal. They built a house in Sparwood, and it soon became a home, welcoming sons John and Ron. When managing her home became too physically demanding, Helen moved to Lilac Terrace where she was a resident for 13 years.
Helen will always be known for her smile and great sense of humor; along with her quick and witty one-word responses/comebacks. She was a very social person and enjoyed the company of others. On recent visits with Mom she would fondly reminisce of working at Began Krall's store in Natal. She would talk about the afternoon bowling league she belonged to, and told us of swear jars, and discussions of hair colors. She was a member of the Sparwood Calorie Counters for many years and enjoyed the meetings and attending the conventions throughout the province. She would also talk of road trips to Reno and Vegas and anyone who knows Helen well, knows how much she loved Engelbert Humperdinck.
Helen was immensely proud of all her grandchildren and great grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to boast of their accomplishments. Whether it was honor roll at school, winning awards, piano recitals or hockey games, she loved to talk about the grandkids.
The older grandchildren were very blessed to grow up in the same community as Helen and Andy. They have wonderful memories of walking from school to Grandma's house for lunch. No one could make homemade chicken soup like hers. Sunday nights were often reserved for playing Lions TV bingo with her and Uncle Gino. Weekend trips to the cabin at Edwards Lake were always fun. Also enjoyed were the family birthday and holiday suppers that we celebrated many times throughout the years. There were short weekend trips to Kalispell and Radium and a wonderful family vacation to Disneyland with Grandma and Grandpa and Uncle Ron.
Helen loved her family and friends. She possessed a deep wisdom for navigating through life and was able to offer words of advice and encouragement to those who were close to her. She was loved and will be dearly missed.
Left to mourn her passing are sons Ron of Lone Butte, BC and John (Robin) of Sparwood; grandchildren Tara (Jeremy) Spotter of Sylvan Lake, AB, Matt (Sydney) Huryn of Sparwood, Jason (Randa) Huryn of Calgary AB, and Brady and Carson Huryn of Lone Butte, BC; great granddaughters Emily-Juene and Adalyn Spotter and Andi Huryn as well as her niece Nancy Valcourt and nephew Rick Volpatti.
We are incredibly grateful for the care Helen received. Thank you to the Administrator, Home Support, and the staff at Lilac Terrace. Thank you to the Doctors, Nurses and staff at the Sparwood Healthcare Centre, the Elk Valley Hospital and everyone at Rocky Mountain Village who are doing all they can to keep residents safe and families connected during the pandemic. Special thanks to Dr. Higgins for his exceptional care and compassion over the past many years.
Memories & condolences shared at www.cherishedmemoriesfs.com Arrangements entrusted to Cherished Memories Funeral Services Ltd.