September 19, 1934 - January 9, 2025
In loving memory ~
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Helen Third. On January 9th, 2025 at the age of 90 years, she was called Home to be with her Lord and Savior.
Helen was born on September 19th, 1934 in Vernon, BC to Leopold and Olga (nee Zimmerman) Price. She spent the majority of her life in Vernon, where she developed a deep connection with her family and church community. After attending Normal School, she began her teaching career in Penticton, BC where she met Alexander "Sandy" George Third. They were married in 1957, raised three children and shared 52 years of marriage before Sandy passed away in 2010.
A kind, caring woman with a ready smile, Helen was always willing to lend a helping hand to family, friends, and those she met. Her generosity extended to every aspect of her life and she was known for her selflessness, compassion, and a genuine interest in others. Her greatest joy in life was her family and she particularly cherished the lively, chaotic times when everyone gathered together. The memories of summer days spent around the family pool and the laughter-filled nights when her eleven grandchildren stayed over, were especially dear to her. In recent years, the time spent with her five great-grandchildren who lived nearby, were the highlight of her days.
Helen loved teaching and began her career in 1953. After taking time to raise her children, she resumed teaching in the Vernon and Armstrong School Districts, where she made a lasting impact until her retirement in 1999. A lifelong member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Helen was deeply committed to her faith and served the church in a variety of capacities over the years. Her unwavering faith and commitment to service were very important to her. Helen had an immense love for animals and her family fondly remembers the many cats and dogs that shared their home over the years. Her last cat, Rosabelle, remained a faithful companion to Helen after Sandy's passing, providing her with comfort and companionship in her later years.
Helen will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her daughters, Diane (Randy) Forsyth of Vernon, BC and Sharon (James) Donaldson of Surrey, BC; her son, Don (Jamie) Third of Surrey, BC; eleven grandchildren, Kristen (Greg) Cockburn, Kayla (Kevin) Comstock, Karalyn (Tyler) Pentland, Matthew (Emma) Forsyth, Nick (Janna) Third, Samantha (Chris) Abercromby, Ashley Third (Jorge Stevens), Jeremy (Connor) Denoon, Jordan Donaldson, Emily Donaldson and Justin Donaldson (Destiny Quesnel); eight great-grandchildren, Declan Cockburn, Amelia and Hannah Comstock, Noah and Parker Abercromby, Owen and Ellie Pentland and Myla Third; her sister, Lydia Cumming; niece, Wendy Cumming; nephew, Michael Cumming; and numerous extended family members and lifelong family friends.
A private Graveside Service will occur prior to the Celebration of Helen's Life which will be held at St. John's Lutheran Church, 6525 Okanagan Landing Road, on Saturday, January 25th, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. As an expression of sympathy, those who wish to do so may send donations in memory of Helen to the SPCA, BC Children's Hospital or a charity of your choice.
We, Helen's family wish to express our heartfelt thanks for the friendship and assistance given to our Mom by her dear friend, Alma Dunsdon, as well as the compassionate care provided by the doctors, nurses and staff at the Vernon Jubilee Hospital, with special thanks to Connor, Kayla and Sarah.
Forever in our hearts
Funeral arrangements have been made with
BETHEL FUNERAL CHAPEL LTD.
5605-27th Street, Vernon, BC V1T 8Z5
250-542-1187