As the sun rose on a beautiful autumn day, our angel knocked
on Heaven's door.

Helen is survived by her loving husband and best friend of forty years, Kevin, her daughter Heather Kaluzny (James) and granddaughter Callie Autzen Anderson.

She was predeceased by her son Drew in 2010, and also by her parents Emile and Emily Ducharme and her brother Alex.

Helen will be remembered in the hearts of her brother Cliff (Joan) Ducharme of Red Deer and sister Beatrice Ducharme of Edmonton. She is also survived by her mother-in-law Ethel Rhodes of Prince George, four sisters-in-law Sharron of Houston, B.C., Brenda (Ian) of Sorrento, Sherry (Gerald) of Prince George and Janet (Steve) of Prince George. Helen was loved and adored by an abundance of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. They will cherish their fond memories of Aunty Helen.

Helen was born in Eureka River, Alberta. Her family did not have a lot of material wealth, but all worked hard, studied and learned the value of support for each other. Helen was a good student and graduated from the Misacordia Nursing School. She then travelled and worked in Europe. Returning to Canada, she nursed in Dawson Creek, Prince Rupert, and then Prince George in 1972. Helen and Kevin married in Vancouver on May 28th, 1973. Their son Drew was born May 10th, 1979 in Prince George.

The ravages of Rheumatoid Arthritis ended Helen's work as an ICU and PAR nurse at PGRH. In 1993, the family moved to Kamloops for better treatment of her RA and a warmer climate.

On September 16th, she entered RIH for a knee replacement with hopes of having a better quality of life, and to be able to enjoy time with her granddaughter. On the day she was to return home, she fell ill. She spent two weeks in ICU and then returned to the ward for four more weeks. On Sunday, November 3rd, she once again returned to ICU where it was discovered that she was infected with C. difficile and 3 other infections in her blood. She fought hard and rallied many times, but unfortunately, on the early morning of November 9th, with her family by her side, she made a peaceful journey to be with her son Drew and Cindy the beagle.

Thanks to all friends and relatives for their support at this difficult time. A special thanks to all the doctors, nursing men and women, and all those others involved in her care.

A "Butterfly Party of Remembrance" will be held on May 10th, 2014, at the Desert Gardens, beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Schoening Funeral Service.

Condolences may be expressed to the family via the Schoening webpage.