ARNEY, Helen Marie (née Ganje)

May 6, 1931 — August 5, 2024

It is with great sadness and a profound love that we announce the loss of Helen Marie Arney (née Ganje), who passed away while surrounded by family on August 5, 2024, at the age of 93.

Left to treasure her memory are her children Doris, Keith (Kerin), and Louise (Moshe); grandchildren Travis (Holly), Curtis (Teresa), Corina, and Serena; great-grandchildren Madisun, Sydnie, Mikayla, Naiden, Makenzie, Kaleb, Gage, Gracey, and Sam. She will also be missed by her brother James Ganje and her devoted friend Dan Ziemmer.

Helen now goes to join those who passed before her, including her beloved husband of 56 years, Aaron Arney (d. 2009); parents Anna Maria and Jacob Ganje; brothers Michael and Larry; and sisters Jean and Frances.

Born during the Depression in Lampman, SK, Helen was a hardworking and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who believed in staying active, often reminding others, “Don’t let the grass grow under your feet, or you’ll get old!”. Her driven spirit was evident in her many years of work at MacLeods Hardware in Salmon Arm and later at Home Hardware in Barriere and Kelowna. A devout Catholic, Helen was deeply involved in her church and community, and her love for music and dancing brought joy to her life. Always well-dressed, she was a talented seamstress who took pride in making many of her own clothes. After retirement, Helen continued to give back by volunteering at Kelowna General Hospital in the Snackery. She loved her garden and cherished her winters RVing in Arizona, finding pleasure in lawn and carpet bowling, crafts, and quilting. Even at 81, her adventurous spirit led her to travel across Canada in an RV with Dan.

Helen’s vibrant life and warm presence will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Helen’s family would like to thank Dr. Chien and the staff at Lakeview Lodge in West Kelowna for their compassionate care during her time there.

The family would like to extend a special thank you and acknowledgement to Dan Ziemmer, for his love and selfless devotion to our mother for the past 13 years.

There will be a Catholic Funeral Mass held on SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 2024, at 11:00 AM (PDT), located at OUR LADY OF LOURDES PARISH, 2547 Hebert Rd, West Kelowna, BC. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below).

There will be a reception after the Mass.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.

LIVESTREAM: FACEBOOK LINK