We Remember

SMITH, Helena

February 21, 1935 — October 29, 2024

Helena Smith (known as Helen) went to be with the Lord on October 29, 2024, at the age of 89. Her passing (after spending a heart-warming, beautiful day with George’s family in Medicine Hat, AB) was quick, painless and, minutes after moments filled with much joy and laughter. She passed with three of her children by her side.

Helen was born in Lampman, Saskatchewan, February 21, 1935, daughter of Olga & Albert Braun. She spent her childhood on the farm in Lampman, then, at the young age of 15, she moved with her sister, Alma, to Medicine Hat, and they secured their first employment at the Greyhound Bus Depot.

Helen met George at Echo Lake Camp at the age of 14, and they continued their friendship when she moved to Medicine Hat. On October 10, 1952, George and Helena were married in Medicine Hat, AB, making it a double wedding with her sister, Alma, and new brother-in-law, John Kaiser.

Home was established in quite a few places over the years, beginning in Lipton, SK, then moving to Medicine Hat, AB; Aldersyde, AB; Kelowna, BC; Calgary, AB; and finally settling back in Kelowna, BC. Together, they welcomed six children, who in turn brought 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren into the family. George passed away in 2008.

On August 2, 2015, Helen married Walter Zieber. They were able to spend 6 years together, travelling and enjoying mutual companionship, until Walter passed away in March 2021.

Helen is survived by her son Darcy (Theresa) Smith, daughters Cheryl (Allan) Miller, Colleen (Daryl) Volkman, Lyndel (Joel) Grassmick, Kendra Smith (Mike Morton), and Denise Smith; her grandchildren, Christon (Marlowe) Kennedy, Shaun (Morgan) Lundy, Michele O’Reilly (Joel Gwillim), Michael (Ronilynn) Volkman, Matthew (Nicole) Volkman, Jennifer (Adrian) Fortier, Justin (Dareth) Grassmick, Joel Jr. Grassmick, Maegan Smith (Michal Filipek), and Madison Partridge; great-grandchildren, Baelan and Anya O’Reilly, Emerson, Makenna, and Bennett Volkman, Oaklynn, Beklee, and Houston Volkman, Cadence, Hayden and Allegra Foss, as well as Adler and Atlas Grassmick. She also leaves behind her sister Erma (Gerry) Schroeder and brother Leonard Braun; numerous nieces and nephews; a large extended family; and many close and dear friends.

Helen dedicated her life to the Lord, her family and her numerous volunteer activities including CWL, Pioneer Girls, YWAM International, Haggai International, Charis Camp, Ten Thousand Villages, Mennonite Central Committee, Kelowna General Hospital, Stonecroft Ministries, Cook College, and Scarlett Bennett Centre.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Charis Camp and Conference Centre or the Mennonite Central Committee Canada (MCC).

A Memorial Service, with Pastor Rod officiating, will be held on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2024, at 1:00 PM (PST), at Mission Springs Church of God: 3705 Mission Springs Drive, Kelowna, BC. A reception will be held following the service. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view in 3-5 days.

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

LIVESTREAM:

 

Service
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2024, at 1:00 PM (PST)

Location
Mission Springs Church of God

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Charis Camp and Conference Centre or the Mennonite Central Committee Canada (MCC) Link: www.chariscamp.com, mcccanada.ca

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for SMITH, Helena is scheduled for FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2024, at 1:00 PM (PST). Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Mission Springs Church of God

3705 Mission Springs Drive Kelowna, BC

Phone:

Special Requests:

None.

Funeral Pointers:

 


Condolences

  • Sam and Marilyn Kaiser says:
    November 15, 2024 at 2:52 pm

    Dear Darcy and family. Sorry we were unable to be at the church. You did your Mom proud. She always made Sam and l welcome, both in her home or when we meet.. l enjoyed working with Helena at Center Street Church, where we got to know each other better. Along with Sylvia Schultz. What fun. Blessing to all. Marilyn and Sam Kaiser

    Reply
  • Barry Lutz says:
    November 15, 2024 at 5:45 pm

    Helen was a beautiful lady always doing whatever she could to help family friends. Sorry for your loss Smith Braun Kaiser Family. I Have known these great people for 50 years in Medicine Hat. Always in my heart ❤️❤️ take care my Friends

    Reply
  • Henry T. Dyck says:
    December 4, 2024 at 12:52 pm

    My sincere condolences to Brother Len , Son, Darcy , and wife ; sisters and daughters . May our Lord and Saviour comfort you , and grant you His Peace .
    Henry T. Dyck
    Three Hills, Alberta

    Reply

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Everything was so organized and pertinent to what we needed. Everyone we met was kind, courteous and very helpful during our emotional and challenging time. Thank you so much.

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Tanya Kohar

In the past 2 years Springfield has helped us through the death of my Mother and my Father. Their response and help allowed us to focus on the remaining family rather than worrying about details of the funeral and all the notifications that are required upon a death.

Terry Eldridge

The atmosphere has been nothing but professional during times of grief.  After the passing of my mother, the staff coached me on the next steps and looked after filling in all the government forms that I needed to sign, which took a huge burden off my mind at the time.

Donald McClure

Everyone was so helpful and kind.  There was no pressure.  They provided exactly what we needed.

Diane Greenwood

From the time I called to the completion of all the services, I received compassionate, attentive and professional care.  There was a sense of caring from each staff member.  I was turning over my Mom to their care and I felt very comfortable with everyone.  I felt heard and never felt pushed into any decision.

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Ethna Tutt

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Frances Baum

Everything that was arranged for us was perfect.  Our loved one, husband, father, brother was treated with respect.  Thank you for making this difficult time a little more acceptable via your staff’s obvious caring and respect.

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