Helen M. Fajber

With great sadness, we say goodbye to Helen M. Fajber, an adventurous spirit whose curiosity, warmth, and love of life inspired all who knew her. She passed away peacefully at home in New Westminster at the age of 94.

Born in Aberdeen, Scotland to Bert and Milie, she spent her childhood years getting into mischief with her brother Roy and cousins Helen and Bobby. Amongst her favourite things were cycling around Duthie Park, Scottish country dancing, classical music, and persevering at playing the violin.

Eager to see more of the world, Helen joined the Royal Navy and was stationed in London, where she served as a WREN until her mother fell ill. She returned to Aberdeen to care for her mother, who later passed away, and then stayed on to help her father and brother and work as a secretary at the University of Aberdeen. A keen youth hosteller, she loved exploring the Scottish countryside with friends, nurturing the independent spirit that stayed with her throughout her life.

Before long, she set off on a new chapter with her father and brother, emigrating from Scotland to Vancouver, Canada, where her aunt and uncle lived. With her love of books, she worked at the Vancouver Public Library and soon after at a YMCA dance met her husband-to-be Norbert. The newlyweds moved to Toronto and had three children. The family returned to Vancouver, where Helen devoted herself to raising her children while also working in the family butcher shop. She later built a career as a secretary and executive assistant at Revenue Canada.

Helen had a lifelong passion for learning and was always developing new interests, from gardening, French, and accounting to yoga, tai chi, and exercise classes. In retirement, she was an active member of the Century House walking group, an avid mahjong player, and was known to enjoy the occasional casino trip. Most of all, she loved being with family and friends and was happiest when out socializing. One of her greatest joys was reading — a good mystery with one or two murders would do the trick! She passed that love of reading down to her children and also loved walking, travel, classical music, a glass of merlot, ice cream, and a lot of candy.

Helen loved travelling and traversed across Canada, went back to the UK several times, and cruised to Alaska, Europe and the Caribbean. She also travelled to India, Nepal, Hong Kong, Mexico, Cuba, the United States, and many other places. Whether walking, camping, or cruising, she had endless stamina and zest for life. Incredibly strong, nothing could keep her down. Even in her nineties, a broken arm, foot, hip, and neck did not stop her; she would bounce back raring to go.

Her love, light, and twinkling blue eyes touched many. She greeted friends and strangers alike with warmth and a grand smile, and kindness was always at the forefront of her life. Always an optimist, her quick wit and wonderful sense of humour brightened every room. We are immensely grateful to all those who cared for her in her later years, including her caregivers Lupita and Deborah, her niece Shona, and Dr. Dresselhuis.

She was predeceased by her husband Norbert, and also her step-great-grandson Jesse. She is survived by her sons Will (Shelli) and James (Joy), her daughter Elizabeth; her grandchildren Robert (Alex), Katie (Kieran), Zoe (Michael), and Jamie (Sydney); her step-grandchildren Wendy and Jamey; step-great-grandchildren Devon, Justin, Jamie-Leigh, and Shania; and step-great-great-grandchildren Riley, Declan, Ember, Arlo, Ezra, and Emery.

Helen will be remembered for her generous heart, adventurous spirit, sparkling humour, and the joy she brought to every gathering.

We know that wherever she is, Helen’s eyes are wide open with excitement, ready for the next adventure and asking, “What’s next?”

A private family memorial will be held at First Memorial in North Vancouver on September 2, 2026, with a celebration of life to follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of BC.