HELMA GERDA QUALLY (SWENSEN)

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HELMA GERDA QUALLY (SWENSEN) June 26, 1915 May 1, 2007 Peacefully on Tuesday, May 1 at Golden West Centennial Lodge, Helma Qually passed away at the age of 91 years. We remember the life of our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Mom's legacy will live on through her sons and their families. Five sons, eight grandchildren and six great- grandchildren: sons, Keith (Pat), of Winnipeg, Heather and Bruce Young (Travis and Sammie), of Cranbrook, BC, Susan and Ray Kenny (Sara Rose and Lucien), of Stony Mountain; Ken (Marilyn), of Starbuck, Janine and Ethan Rivest, of Brandon, Eric (Joshua) and fiancée Gillian, of Winnipeg; Lorne (Sharon) of Cranbrook, BC, Derek and fiancée Caroline, of Cranbrook BC, Trevor and fiancée Tracey, of Cranbrook BC; Larry (deceased) (Kathy) of Calgary, AB, Darcie Roy (Dawson) of Winnipeg, Dale and fiancée Rita, of Winnipeg; Randy (Karla), of Dacotah. Helma was predeceased by husband Percy, son Larry, brother and sister-in-law Ben and Dora Swensen, sister and brother-in-law Ragna and Morton Comstock, brother-in-law Andy Anderson, sister-in-law Prue Swensen, sister-in- law Doris Qually, brother-in-law and sister-in- law Russell and Millie Qually. Helma is survived by her brother Arnold Swensen and sister Borghild Anderson; brothers-in-law, Walter Rasmussen and Orville (Bud) Qually; numerous nieces and nephews. Helma was born in Wheelock, ND. Her parents were Christopher and Rikka Swensen. Helma moved to Canada with her family when she was a few months old. She grew up in Ardill, SK. Helma married Percy Qually on December 21, 1935. Percy and Helma farmed all their married life at the family farm in Dacotah, MB. Helma had many hobbies and never did anything half way ; she was a great cook, loved gardening and was an avid reader. Helma's service to her community continued through her many years of active involvement in the LaSalle River Horticulture Club, Dacotah's Bethlehem Lutheran Church as a Sunday school teacher, Superintendent of Sunday School and a member of the Ladies Aid, and later as an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Starbuck. For several years Helma was a faithful volunteer at the Oakview Nursing Home. Helma recently received her 50 year Eastern Star pin. She originally joined the Elm Creek Chapter and later became a member of the Electa Chapter in Portage La Prairie. She was proud to be Grand Officer the year that her brother Ben Swensen was Worthy Grand Patron. Helma ventured into the workforce, working for a short time as an aide at the Heritage Lodge Personal Care Home where she attained her Nurses Aide Certificate. Helma made two trips to Norway to visit her ancestral roots; the first trip she made alone and the second time she persuaded Percy to go with her. After Percy died she enjoyed travelling to visit her sisters and brother in Regina and Moose Jaw and day trips with the Silver Threads. Mom had a real soft spot for her grand-children and great-grandchildren. The great- grandchildren loved to visit she always had candy on her coffee table, dolls and antique cars to play with, she loved to go to the Dairy Queen with them for an ice cream treat. The younger great-grandchildren made her day when they visited her at Golden West. The past several years, Mom has resided at the Golden West Centennial Lodge. Mom was cared for with respect, compassion and dignity. The family would like to thank the all the staff at Golden West. A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, May 7, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, Starbuck, MB. A private interment is planned. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Golden West Centennial Lodge, 811 School Road, Winnipeg, MB R2Y 0S8 or the Trinity Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, Starbuck, MB. NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200 www.nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 04, 2007