Helen Simmons

September 10, 1927 - June 26, 2023

Our beloved aunt and friend, Helen Simmons of Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, passed away peacefully at the Fort Saskatchewan Community Hospital while supported by her family and friends on June 26, 2023, at the age of 95 years.

Helen was the last of her sibling family predeceased by her parents Frederick and Leana Simmons (nee Davidson), brothers Fred, Hector, Louis, Merritt, and Ched Simmons, and her sisters Molly Flammond, Grace Slater, Annie Shirvell, Karyl Wright and Jeanne Jerace.

Helen is lovingly remembered by nephews and nieces, Grant, Neil, and Maxine Simmons; Heather Fischer, Janice and Marilyn Simmons, and Patty Simmons-Slavin; Louis Simmons, Phyllis Dewart (Simmons), Keith, and Debbie Smith (Simmons), Stewart Simmons, Ardelle Dudley (nee Slater), Cole Shirvell, Avrum Wright; Dean, and Susan Kyle (nee Jerace), and numerous grand-nieces and nephews. Friends Cathy Vereyken (colleague), Doris Cooper (friend), and neighbors the Smiths, Galloways, McEacherns and Speedies.

Helen was also predeceased by nephews and nieces Ronnie Simmons, Tracie, Darlson and Acron Flammond; Diane Simmons, Buck Slater, and Sean Jerace.

Helen was educated at the University of British Columbia (B.A. Psychology and Philosophy, M.A. Clinical Psychology), University of Oregon (Ph.D. Educational Psychology), and a postdoctoral at the Aspen Institute of Humanistic Studies. She practiced psychology and philosophy at various institutions including Alberta Health Services in Edmonton. Together with colleague Dr. June Kikuchi she co-founded the Institute for Philosophical Nursing Research and together they edited and published Philosophic Inquiry in Nursing. Helen was a lifetime honorary member of the Alberta Association of Registered Nurses. In retirement from healthcare, Helen farmed cereal grains with the assistance of her neighbors in the Fort Saskatchewan area on land pioneered by her father before Alberta was promulgated. She thanks the community for their help and support.

A visitation will be held on Friday, July 7, 2023 from 12 – 1 p.m. with the funeral service beginning at 1pm. at First Memorial Riverview Chapel located at the gates of the Fort Saskatchewan cemetery 10090-86 Avenue Fort Saskatchewan, with interment to follow.

The family wishes to acknowledge the help and support of the Fort Saskatchewan Community hospital as well as the staff and friends of Southfort Bend where Helen was a resident for 5 years before her death.

Memorial donations in the name of Helen Simmons may be made to UNICEF or the humanitarian charity of your choosing.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.riverviewfuneral.com for the Simmons family.