Helen was born in Smokey Lake Alberta in 1930, she was the oldest child of John and Dora Waknuk, and the oldest sister to George Waknuk, Bill (June) Waknuk, Pat (Eric) Hansen, and Tom (Edna) Waknuk. Helen and John Chahley were married on Oct. 15, 61 years ago. They were the perfect pair, and always shared a sweet little kiss whenever John would be leaving the house. They spent their first few years living in a teacherage, and then moved to Dawson Creek to start their family. Her son, Don Chahley was born August 27th 1953.
Helen was a Cub Scout leader, and enjoyed many fishing and camping trips with her family. She taught school for more than 25 years, most of those years teaching grade one. She really enjoyed spending time with her three grandchildren Nick (Carrie) Chahley, Heather (Terry) McInnis and Melissa Chahley (Ryan Panoulias). Helen loved spoiling her Grandchildren however she never called it spoiling, she always said it’s just loving. She was most happy when she had a house full of family especially her great grandkids that she could spoil to no end. She was a great grandmother to Ayla and Camden Chahley and Aidan McInnis. Some of her most special moments were over the last six years watching her great grandkids play and grow.
Some of our fondest memories of our Grandma were all the stories she would share with us. She would talk about going to deliver mail with her Dad on the horse drawn wagon, and would talk fondly about spending time on the farm with her Brothers and Sisters. Grandma would tell us about cooking with her mom and she really enjoyed passing this knowledge on to us grandkids. She would also talk about the time she spent with her grandma, when she lived with her during high school. Grandma would always light up with excitement whenever she got to tell us a story, she taught us all that each happiness today, is a memory for tomorrow.
We would like everyone to know that we may all no longer be able to see her but we will all have so many special moments, and memories that we shared with her. She will always have a special part in our hearts. Through our grandma’s eyes you can see more clearly the way things used to be, the way things ought to be, and most important of all, the way things really are. We all are so thankful that we knew an amazing lady like our grandma. Some say that life is easier if you hear the steps of grandchildren walking beside you, but we say life will be easier for us all with our Grandma walking beside us forever.
The funeral took place at the South Peace United Church on October 18, 2011. Interment followed at the Brookside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to the Cross Cancer Institute 11560 University Avenue, Northwest Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1Z2 (780) 432-8771.
Arrangements entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd.