Helen Diane Thompson

To Helen Diane Thompson, the entire world was a stage. An expressive, optimistic, and uninhibited individual, she was a performer in the theater of life. To everyone around her, she seemed to be eternally happy, and she willingly shared that joy with anyone whose life she touched. For Helen, bringing out the best in any situation was as easy as offering a smile, a witty remark or the twinkle of an eye. And with just those simple gestures, she could evoke the most pleasant of emotions. Helen really mastered the art of living and had great fun in doing so.

      Helen was born on August 1, 1949 at Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal, Quebec. Her parents were Albert Johnson and Pearl Johnson. Helen was raised in Montreal, Quebec, then moved to Calgary AB. Even as a child, Helen had the ability to lift the spirits of all those around her. She was raised to be warm, caring and friendly. She couldn’t help but capture everyone’s attention. She was definitely a little bit of a show off, but in doing so, she succeeded in entertaining her entire family and friends.

      Always a good playmate, Helen was easygoing and fun loving. She managed to lighten the mood wherever she was, even during family squabbles. She seemed to have a knack for bringing compromise and erasing tense situations around the house. Due to a generous dose of common sense, Helen managed to find a satisfying solution to basic problems. Helen was raised with Seven siblings. She had 3 younger brothers Harry, Donald and Allan. And 4 sisters Shirley, Kathy, Cindy and Linda.

      All of Helen's playful good humor carried over into her childhood. She was possessed with an outgoing personality, a lively imagination and a mellowed enthusiasm for life that allowed her to be constantly on the go. As a result, Helen experienced a rather active childhood, and this suited her very well. She was a member of church on Sundays as a child. In her spare time she liked going to dances and dancing with her brother Harry. Helen's memorable achievements included working in a tie factory.

      Helen never actually encountered a stranger in her dealings with people. She was drawn to individuals and crowds, using her gregarious, adaptable and outgoing personality to captivate her audience. This quality allowed Helen to continually develop new relationships, ever widening her circle of friends. Helen delighted in her role among all her acquaintances, because she viewed them all as potential spectators for her performance. Whether it was a story, a joke, a song or just plain fooling around, Helen was always right at home putting on a show among her friends. Helen utilized her interest in others as a great way to connect with them. Later in life, she became friends with Carolyn Gallant , Beverley McGregor (Pinky) , Tanya Chisholm. Helen loved sharing life and having her home filled with people she knew.

      Perhaps the reason Helen related so well to children was the fact that she never really completely grew up herself. The ability to be just a “kid at heart” helped her in raising her own children. Helen was blessed with Six, Three Sons Wayne, Leslie, and Cheyne. Three daughters Jenny, Christina and Crystal. They were also blessed with Seventeen Grandchildren and Six Great Grandchildren, Amanda(Sydney,Ally),Tanya,James,Branden,Cole, Quinn, Jessie, Angel (Graig, Natalie) Dustin, Jordan, Cara ( Kiyan, Catalina) Tanner, Amber, Michael,Kaitlyn, Breanna, Sara. Helen had the ability to focus her attention on the present moment. If she was spending time with the kids, that’s where all of her attention was directed. Helen's compassionate side prevented her from being a strict disciplinarian, and she could turn just about any situation into a playful, learning experience. She could spend hours entertaining them with fun and creative play. In fact, Helen had a knack for turning some of those nasty old chores into games.

      At work, as in life, Helen was a real “people person.” She had a very successful way of dealing effectively with others, and her enthusiasm and energy was often contagious. Helen liked to see herself as something of a virtuoso. When dealing with various projects and problems, Helen was an adaptable realist, using her common sense and trusting her experiences and impulses to uncover the correct answer. Helen's talent for being a down to earth thinker, allowed many around her to see Helen as an excellent problem solver. Her primary occupation was a Homemaker.

      Helen enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. An “arts and crafts” type, Helen liked creating and making things. Her favorite pursuits were Yard Saling and Crocheting, and being outside in her flower Garden. Bead work and having a few drinks with her friends. Helen was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

      Living life in the fast lane suited Helen just fine. It is no surprise that she loved to travel and to visit new and different places. She was impulsive and willing to try anything once. Favorite vacations included camping with her family.

      Helen was a lover of animals and cherished her pets, enjoying them almost as much as she enjoyed being around other people. One of Helen's favorites was Molly and Bear her cats. They were best friends for 5 years. Her family was rounded out by her collie lassie dog and pet cats.

      Helen believed that you had to experience life, and her life in retirement was no different. With her boundless energy and a desire to get the most out of life, Helen remained busy with people and projects. In retirement, she found new pleasure in enjoying her grandchildren. Even in retirement, Helen continued to stay in touch with her old friends and, since she'd never met a stranger, she made plenty of new acquaintances as well.

      Helen passed away on July 10, 2017 at Tom Baker Cancer Center Calgary, Alberta. Helen fought a brave battle against Lung cancer. She is survived by Her Children Jenny, Wayne, Christina, Leslie, and Crystal. Her Grandchildren Amanda, Tanya, James, Branden, Cole, Quinn, Jessie, Angel, Dustin, . Jordan,Cara, Tanner, Amber, Michael, Kaitlyn, Breanna, Sara. Her Great grandchildren Sydney, Ally, Greg, Natalie, Kiyan, and Catalina. Services were held at Fosters Garden Chapel Calgary, Alberta. Helen was laid to rest in Queens Park Cemetery Calgary, Alberta.

      Helen brought joy to all of those around her. She never had a mean bone in her body. She loved to have a good time and was an eternal optimist, always looking on the bright side of things. She loved to share her energy, wit, and her zest for all of her activities with her friends and family. Helen Diane Thompson lived life to its fullest and made everyone around her happier just for knowing her. She will be remembered with a smile.