Helen Modney (nee Fay)

Helen is survived by her three children, Larry (Dori), Bob, and Donna Houghton (Tom); four grandchildren, Michael Modney, Timothy Modney, Hayley Houghton and Lisa Houghton (Vianca); and great-grandson Leopold. Helen is also survived by her sister Emily Weninger (Ray) and multitudes of nieces and nephews. Helen was preceded in death by husband Peter Modney, seven sisters Katherine Harasymchuck, Alice Harasymchuck, Mary Dziadyk, Ann Siermachesky, Jean Rachynski, Slawka Fay, Frances Unrau, and three brothers, John Fay, Michael Fay, Roman Fay.

Helen was born on October 23, 1931 in Carmel, Saskatchewan to John Fay and Anna Fay (née Fil). After moving to Calgary in 1948, Helen began working at Marten Paper Products until she married Peter Modney on July 18, 1953. After raising three children, Helen went back to work at the Cinema Park Drive In and then in the U of C Medical Center at Foothills Hospital where she worked until retiring in 1990.

Helen loved to work in the garden, growing her favorite flowers and vegetables. Another passion Helen loved was dancing. That is how she met Peter and after their marriage they often went to church events where there would be dancing. They didn’t refuse any chance to go out where there was dancing. Helen and Peter also did a lot of travelling around the world and she would comment how fortunate she was to see all those different parts of the world. But her home was always the place she loved the most.

Helen was an active and dedicated member of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church and often volunteered with the other wonderful ladies at church, cooking lunches for parishioners and take home perogies. They always sold out the take home perogies!

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a small funeral for family and close friends will be held at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church. Reverend Roman Planchak will officiate the ceremony and burial will follow at Queens Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice in Helen Modney’s name.