She chose her own time and place with her daughters at her side, Terri Wallace, Corinne Hewitt, Joanne Leverman and Jacii Maier. Just 7 weeks from cancer diagnosis to the end.
The adventure started March 6th, 1929. The oldest girl of 12, she helped her mother raise them all. She learned at the feet of the master how to be a great, kind and good mother to not just her children, but her sisters, brothers, in-laws, friends and loved ones. Her siblings remain to honour her memory: John, Tom, Jim, Rosemary, Grace, Jean, Jackie and Beth. She showed the “Oliver grit” her whole life.
Not yet in her teens, she played on a female hockey team, something unusual for the day. Not her first adventure and not her last.
As a young lady, the adventure continued, dancing in a castle to a big band with a tall, handsome young man, who would become her husband of 56 years. Bill Canning preceded her in 2005. The cross Canada trek from Ontario to Prince George BC was in 1953.
Bill and Helen went on many adventures in their lives including being shipwrecked on a remote northern lake. Camping, fishing, hunting, gardening, cooking, music, dancing, living life with flair and style were many of the traits she shared with her loved ones. Always laughing and finding the joy in the simple things were qualities that live on in her family.
She worked hard as a manager for ladies’ wear and always enjoyed the buying trips to bring the latest styles back to the women in town. She was always and forever a fashion plate.
As time passed, she welcomed her daughters’ husbands, Joe Wallace, Alger Hewitt, Paul Leverman and George Maier and became mother to all her sons-in-law.
Grandchildren were another adventure that she relished. First came Steven Davidson, then, Errin Davidson, Jay Campbell, Robyn Campbell, Sam Leverman, Kristoffer Maier and Benjamin Maier. A new title of Nana! She welcomed Steven’s wife, Ladonne, Errin’s husband, Joe Mocilac and Kristoffer’s wife, Genny Michiel to the family.
Travels were many and varied. Sunny locations enjoyed and new friends found in exotic places. A lot can be done with little resources. She taught us all that adventure doesn’t have to be expensive, just go out and find it.
Adventures are not without loss, sadness and sorrow. Losing her grandson Sam Leverman in 1999 at the age of 12 was devastating. Her father, Avery Oliver and her mother, Sadie Oliver, her brothers Leo and Lorne and her sister Anne. Many good friends were gone before her and never forgotten. A glass was raised and a candle lit to fondly remember everyone who shared her love and zest for life.
Her great grandchilden were a source of delight, Matthew and Brianna Davidson, Jude and
Sadie Valiant and William Maier. She met and welcomed her first great great grandchild, Beckett just this year.
She continued to be active, engaged and looking for the next adventure well into her 80’s and 90’s. Teaching the exercise class at the senior’s centre, learning tai chi, lawn bowling or the newest card game kept her mind and body alert. She eagerly pursued her passions of art, painting, theatre and gardening. Volunteering was always a part of her life and she
met many like minded ladies who remained life long friends, especially Jeanette and Jeanne.
Because of this damned pandemic, we can’t get together in a way Helen would have liked. Feel free to contact one of her daughters. Maybe on a future sunny day, we can all raise a glass and tell some stories. Until then, go on an adventure and think of her.
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