Helen Merle passed away peacefully at the age of 85. Helen was born in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan spending her childhood years in small towns such as Climax, Cabri and Abbey with her parents in the hotel trade. Later moving to Saskatoon to attend nursing college, she met her husband of 63 years, Clifford A. Anton. They lived in Saskatoon, Keeler, Cabri and Moose Jaw while they raised their family of three children. They retired to Calgary and then Nanaimo for the last 25 years although all this time Helen remained a prairie girl at heart. Helen was active with numerous organizations in each community she lived in and spent her time volunteering after nursing. She worked on political campaigns, raised money for various causes, helped to build new recreational facilities and actively participated in her children’s education. She was a voracious reader, computer savvy, had a razor sharp wit, and was an avid and skilled bridge player. Playing bridge was her favorite way to socialize and she loved to spend the afternoons and evenings playing cards with her many great friends. Helen and Cliff loved travel and spent many happy years in retirement traveling throughout the world learning about different places and peoples. Especially memorable was a 6-week Volkswagen van trip from Portugal through Spain and Italy to Greece to celebrate their 25th anniversary with 2 other couples, also lifelong friends. Getting together with friends was what Helen loved the most, whether it was to discuss a book, the stock market or politics, intelligent discussion and personal relationships were most important to her. Helen leaves behind her loving husband Cliff, her three children Olin, Robert and Karen, her daughters-in-law Suzanne and Dianne and her son-in-law Kevin. Her nine grandchildren will miss Helen dearly, Elizabeth, Robert, Angus, Curtis, Kyle, Eric, Adam, Alana and Megan. A Memorial service will be held at St. Phillip’s by the Sea Anglican Church, Lantzville, B.C. on Sunday, November 18th, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. followed by a reception in the hall.
Condolences may be offered at telfordn@shaw.ca