Helen Egleston

Helen Irene Kallal Egleston, beloved mother, sister, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully of natural causes in St. Mark's Hospital on January 15, 2017, in the company of her children. She is free of the painful and discouraging ailments she experienced in old age, which she faced with courage and fortitude.

Helen was born on January 29, 1925, in Jerseyville, Illinois, the first of eight children of William Joseph Kallal and Amelia Frances Cabalek. In 1926, her family moved to Alberta, where her family farmed in central Alberta, first in Tofield and later Westlock. She married Marvin Plimpton Egleston on July 23, 1955, in San Francisco, CA. He preceded her in death on June 6, 1993.

She spent most of her married life as a homemaker, raising her children and making a beautiful home in Holladay. She was a superb cook and seamstress, and loved to gather family and friends for a good meal or a game of bridge. She had a natural refinement and a fastidious nature, reflected in her ability to dress well and always appear looking her best. A true child of the Depression, she approached life with hard work, frugality and common sense, and she treated everyone she met with kindness and genuine interest. Although distance separated her from her extended family, she cherished her upbringing on the Canadian prairies and her Czech heritage, and she was never happier than when in the company of a large gathering of her siblings.

A devout Catholic, she was a member of St. Vincent De Paul Parish for over 60 years, volunteered for St. Martha's Baby Project, and was an active member of the Catholic Women's League, where she made some of her strongest friendships. She was an avid stock market enthusiast and was endlessly fascinated by the business world.

She is survived by her daughter Elizabeth Giraud (Richard) and son Paul, both of Salt Lake City, as well as sister Evelyn Dallaire (Marcel) of Bonnyville, AB; brothers Edwin Kallal (Helen), Gerald Kallal of Westlock, AB; and Tom Kallal (Emilienne) of Spruce Grove, AB; and sister-in-law Theresa Kallal of Westlock, AB. Helen was preceded in death by sisters Mary Brault and Rita Kallal, brother William Kallal, and sister-in-law Lorraine Huot Kallal.

Her children wish to thank the many caregivers who treated her and the neighbors and friends who looked out for her. Helen will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by those who loved her.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, January 19, 2017 at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church (1375 East Spring Lane). Friends may call at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary (3401 Highland Drive) from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, January 18, 2017. Rosary to follow at 8 p.m. Interment, Mt. Olivet Cemetery.