Mar 25, 1918 - Feb 13, 2018
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Helen Marie Harvey on February 13, 2018, just shy of her 100th birthday. Helen passed away peacefully with family by her side.
She was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Born in Marcelin, Saskatchewan in 1918, Helen was one of eight children born to Yoil and Vista Banda. She joined the RCAF during WWll and was stationed in Newfoundland. After the war, she moved to Vancouver to become a hairdresser, which is where she met her husband, Reginald. They were married in 1948 and made their home in Burnaby where their sons, Farley Reginald was born in 1951 and Kevin Alexander in 1954. They moved to Vernon in 1960 and built their home in the Coldstream.
Helen always made the most of every challenge and took a positive attitude into every situation. Her happiness touched everyone she met. It was always her nature to give rather than receive. Her happiest times were having family dinners. She cooked amazing meals with produce from the large garden she worked so hard at after the passing of her husband, Reg, in 1966. Helen also took pride in her fruit trees, her flower gardens, and especially her roses, right up until she moved into Noric House in 2013.
At Noric House, she enjoyed the gardens there and made many friends with staff and residents. We the family, would like to thank the staff at Noric House for the love and care they gave mom over the past five years and to a special friend, Eunice, who was always looking out for her.
Helen will be greatly missed by her sons: Farley (Judy) and Kevin (Bonnie); grandchildren: Kalin (Nicole), Jessica (John), Jennifer (Jeremy), Ryan (Megan), and Carleen; great-grandchildren: Emmerson, Violet, Leo, and Amelia; and her sister, Betty.
Helen was predeceased by her parents, Yoil and Vista Banda; by her husband, Reg; and siblings: Jim, George, Mary, Anne, Steve, and Terry.
There will not be a service at this time as the family has decided to come together for a celebration of life on what would have been Helen's 100th birthday in March.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions in memory of Helen may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion.
Arrangements have been entrusted to PLEASANT VALLEY DIGNITY FUNERAL HOME, 4303 P.V. Road, Vernon, B.C. V1T 4M4 Phone: (250) 542-4333.
Condolences may be offered at www.pleasantvalleyfh.com
Pleasant Valley Funeral Home