HELEN BERTHA GATHERCOLE 1926 - 2008 Helen was born on April 9, 1926 and passed away in her sleep at Ponderosa Lodge April 6, 2008, three days before her 82nd birthday. Helen was predeceased by her parents William and Leticia King, husband Bill Gathercole and her granddaughter Laura Bales. Left to mourn Helen is her Sister Clara, three sons, Jim Bales (Alison), Larry Gathercole (Jacquie) and Gordon Gathercole (Julie). She also leaves her very treasured grandchildren, Robyn Boehm (Scott), Shane Gathercole (Rachel), Jennifer Bales, Miranda and Sierra Gathercole, great grandchildren Maddox and Grace Boehm. Helen also leaves behind her very dear friend Hilton Heide of Merritt, BC. Helen was a very special sister, mother, mother-in-law and friend to all who knew her. She was the kind of Grandma that every child hopes for. The grandchildren have many, many wonderful memories of camping, fishing and trips all around British Columbia. Helen married her husband Bill in 1948 and moved to Kamloops in 1955 to raise their three sons. Helen joined the Official Order of the Royal Purple in Kamloops in 1962. She made many dear and lifelong friends who watched her become an Honored Royal Lady and a Lifetime member. Above all, Helen loved spending time with her family and friends. Our family would like to thank all the 2nd floor staff at Ponderosa Lodge for their compassion and care, you made the very difficult times easier for all of us. A Celebration of Helen's Life will be held on Friday, April 11, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. at the Kamloops United Church. Following the service, Helen will be laid to rest at Hillside Cemetery beside her husband Bill. Donations would be greatly appreciated to the Canadian Cancer Society, Unit 111-450 Lansdowne Street, Kamloops, BC, V2C 1Y3. You can shed tears that she is gone or you can smile because she has lived. You can close your eyes and pray that she'll come back or you can open your eyes and see all she's left. Your heart can be empty because you can't see her or you can be full of the love you shared. You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. You can remember her, and only that she's gone or you can cherish her memory and let it live on. You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back or you can do what she'd want: Smile, open your eyes, love and go on. Kamloops Funeral Home in care of arrangements 554-2577 Condolences may be emailed to the family from www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com