October 18, 1934 – April 15, 2026
It is with great love and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our loving mother, Helen Vandale, at the age of 91. Helen passed away peacefully at Sun Pointe Village in Kelowna. Helen was born in Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan to Harold Carter and Alice Martin.
Helen was a strong, independent woman with “spunk” and a huge, loving heart. She grew up on the family farm and often spoke of the adventures. She completed grade nine in the local one-room schoolhouse.
Helen met Bill when she was 16. Even though she had her eye on him from day one, they did not start dating for another four years, marrying on March 4, 1957, in Hinton, AB where he was working. They honeymooned at the Pocahontas Cabins between Hinton and Jasper and wasted no time in starting a family. Within ten years they had six children: Elaine, Norman, Robert, Linda, Sandra and Lloyd. They left Meadow Lake in 1958, moved to Fort St. John and then to Terrace in 1964. With a final move to Kelowna in 1972, they surprised their children with a brand-new home.
Although Helen held jobs outside the home over the years, none were more precious to her than when she realized her dream of having her own restaurant, “Helen’s Country Kitchen” in Kelowna. Helen enjoyed driving and road trips, often doing the driving when heading to Meadow Lake to visit family and friends or to wherever her children lived including as far as Yellowknife, NWT.
Helen was a social person, welcoming and accepting of everyone and became known as “mom” to many. She was committed to her family leading to a variety of roles that kept her busy. She was a chauffeur, whether it was taking the famous red and white van at 3:00 am full of hocky players to a game in Lumby, or driving broomball or baseball players, or picking up grandchildren from daycare. She was a coach and took on the role of President of Rutland Minor Baseball Association as well as Cub Scout Leader. No matter what it was, if she was with her children, grandchildren or great grandchildren, she was there with love and enthusiasm – always the cheerleader.
Helen loved the Blue Jays and spent many hours watching and sometimes very loudly “coaching” them!
Nothing was more important to Helen than her family. The bigger and the noisier the gathering, the happier she was. No matter where they were or what they were up to, she loved and supported them unconditionally. She shared values and the importance of family that continue to shape the lives of her children.
Helen (mom and GamGam) will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered and forever cherished in the hearts of her family and dear friends. She leaves to mourn her loss: her sister Florence (Marcel) Lalonde of Meadow Lake, her children Elaine Vandale, Norman Vandale both of Kelowna, Robert Vandale of Tumbler Ridge, Linda (Bill) Coutts of Kamloops, Sandra Vandale and Lloyd (Cathy) Vandale also of Kelowna; her eleven grandchildren, Michael (Shelby Doiron) Alaric, Taneisha Alaric-Marshall, Shantaya Alaric Marshall, Taylee Dawn, Joshua Vandale, Angel Vandale (Nick Kalashnikov), Destiny Vandale, Alex Vandale, Brooklyn Vandale, Garrett (Maria) Vandale; her great grandchildren, McKenna Vandale, Kaleb Vandale, Sayvin Kalashnikov, and Theodore Kalashnikov. Helen will also be sadly missed by her nieces and nephews and dear friends.
Helen was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Bill Vandale in 2015; her parents and four siblings, Phoebe Bell, Norman Carter, Thelma Docken and Audrey Sweet.
The family is very grateful for the excellent care provided to Helen by Dr. Bryce and all the wonderful, compassionate staff at Sun Pointe Village in Kelowna.
Cremation has taken place and no formal service will be held. If family and friends so desire, memorial donations in Helen’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer Society – North & Central Okanagan, 1664 Richter Street, Suite 307, Kelowna BC V1Y 8N3.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.valleyviewfuneralhome.com for the Vandale family.
