Patricia Ford Mrs. Helland

Patricia (Patty) Mary Ford Helland of San Antonio died peacefully at her home, in the presence of her children, on Saturday, April 30, 2016, and has now joined her husband, Jim. We knew her as a devoted mother who loved her husband and children, who lived life to the fullest, who had a deep strength, grace and elegance only an English Canadian Texan could possess and who had many lifelong friendships which sustained her.

Patty was born in Birmingham, England on February 7, 1927, to Olive Alexandra Wilson and Herbert William Ford. At the age of one, her family migrated to Montreal, Canada in hopes of a creating a brighter future for their daughters, Patty and Beryl. The family moved across Canada from Winnipeg to Calgary, where in 1950, while working for a seismic company, she met, married and settled with Jim Helland in Beeville, Texas. In 1957, they moved to San Antonio, where she raised four children, was deeply involved in Republican politics and became of a member of the Junior League, Battle of Flowers Association, the Forum Club, and the San Antonio Country Club. When her children left home, Patty took up golf and went to work at Kuper Realty. A hard worker all her life, her talent for design, her ability to envision the possibilities of any house and her desire to find just the right one for each client made her a great realtor. Whether a condo project at Crested Butte, Colorado, or one of the many condos she redid at 4001, she enjoyed the challenge of creating just the right spaces in each one. Patty enjoyed being with her many friends at work, on the golf course, at the card table, and at parties. Whether at home, in Crested Butte or during their many travels, Patty and Jim loved life and enjoyed their adventures.

We have been blessed by her love and care, her wonderful sense of humor and by the examples of friendship, honesty, kindness, concern, and pragmatism she demonstrated throughout her life.

Patty is survived by her children: Hans Helland and wife, Catherine, Sally Helland, Suzanne Helland, Teresa Helland; grandchildren: James Kuntz, Hallie Daugherty, Hannah Schaefer, Sarah Helland, William Helland, Danielle Horton, Patricia Wakely , Alexandra Helland; great grandchildren: Kaylee and Jaxon Horton; and her Canadian nieces and nephews and their families: Ford Chown, Judy Addie, Bruce Chown and Elizabeth LaFreniere.

Patty was predeceased by her husband Jim, her parents, her sister, Beryl Chown, and her first grandson, Bobby Magee, Jr.

The family extends deep gratitude for the outstanding care provided by Hope Trevino and Brenda Jaye with Personal Care Management, Embrace Hospice, Dr. Richard Ferguson and the staff at 4001.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 9th from 6:00pm to 8:00 pm at Porter Loring on McCullough.

Her life will be remembered at St. Paul's Episcopal Church at 1018 E. Grayson on Wednesday, May 11th at 2:00pm with a reception to follow at the San Antonio Country Club.