ROPPEL, Helen Elizabeth

ROPPEL, Helen Elizabeth
1924 – 2018

Helen passed away peacefully at the Sunrise Village Nursing Home in High River, Alberta on Friday, March 16, 2018 at the age of 93.
Helen is lovingly remembered by her children Wesley (Lyn) Roppel of Surrey, Charlotte (Bob) Hedin of St. Paul and Darryl (Tammy) Roppel of Rockyford; her grandchildren Scott Roppel, Lisa (Vern) Boudot, Jennifer (Michael) Barbieri and Candace (Byron) Bader; and six great grandchildren; James, Jadyn, Logan, Sophia, Theoren and Harrison. She is also survived by her brother David (Wendy) Podborski of Nova Scotia, in-laws and many nieces and nephews.
Passed before her was her loving husband Harold, who she shared 64 wonderful years of marriage, two cherished grandchildren Jeanine and Jordan Roppel, her brother Victor Podborski, and sisters Olga Stusick and Margorie Poole.
Helen was raised in Rockyford and lived there most of her life. She worked as a Telephone Operator after High School until she married the love of her life Harold Roppel in 1946. They spent their life farming in Rockyford on the Roppel Family farm.
Helen enjoyed belonging to the Ladies Aid of the United Church, Ladies Auxiliary, Girl Guides Association, Home and School Association and was Worthy Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star, for two terms. In 1959 she was selected as Grand Representative for Utah for a four year term, which she really enjoyed and spoke of fondly.
Helen was an avid gardener and won several awards for flowers and garden produce at the annual Rockyford Fair. She had a large, beautiful flower garden on the farm and continued to love her flowers when she moved from the farm to town. Helen was a very talented Artist and enjoyed painting portraits and scenic pictures. She took great pleasure in playing her favorite old time songs, on the organ, by ear. Helen enjoyed visiting and was a gracious hostess who always made you feel welcome.
In the fall of 2002 Helen and Harold sold their home in Rockyford and moved to The Courtyard in Strathmore, AB, where she continued to reside until September 2017.
In her 93 years, Helen saw many changes. She never thought she would see a solar car or the Olympic torch in person. She had a wonderful sense of humour which she carried with her until the end. Helen reminded family, during our last visits, “don’t shed any tears, I have lived a wonderful life and was blessed with a beautiful family. Remember all the good times we shared.”
She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. We will treasure and always remember the good times. It was Helen’s wish that no funeral be held. To express condolences, please visit: www.mountainviewmemorial.ca.