Helen Amelia Little

Helen was born in Odessa, Saskatchewan to John and Annie Runge and lived there until moving to Bracken, Saskatchewan. Due to the depression her family moved by wagon train from there to Delburne, Alberta. After a few locations in Alberta she moved to Calgary in 1952. Except for a few years she lived there until her death.

She is survived by her children Clara (nee Marsh) Anderson, Donna (nee Marsh) Chrystal, Wayne Marsh, Melanie (nee Vandervaate) Piper, Faye (nee Vandervaate) Biesbroek, Regan (nee Vandervaate) Clark, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Helen was from a family of nine George, Bill, Mary, Ernie, John, Victor, Charlie, and Don Runge. She is survived by Ernie, John and Don.

Her life was varied and she was very tenacious, consequently a good worker. Her retirement years were the best of her life and she had many interests, but mostly loved to be with people. Her travel experiences were many with family or otherwise. She belonged to Senior’s groups, hiking groups, dancing, choir groups, fishing, etc. Her friends at Trinity United, Invermere, BC; enjoyed painting the mountains that she loved and her handiwork and crafts. Two events that she was proud of were hiking the Chilcoot, canoeing the Yukon River, and also winning medals at the BC Summer Games in walking. The last one being at the age of 80 and walking 20 kilometers.

Her family would like to mention the exceptional care given Helen during her last days by the staff and friends at AgeCare Seton, Calgary, a very special place. Her care was exceptional and appreciated.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the summer of 2018.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations being made in Helen’s memory directly to a charity of one’s choice.

Messages of remembrance may be left for the family at www.southcalgaryfuneralcentre.ca