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HELEN LORAINE ARNOLD
Helen, or "Brit", as she was fondly coined by her Winnipeg Baseball team, started life on a farm in the rolling hills of Manitoba's Riding Mountains. There she stayed until the tender age of 12 when pursuit of “higher " education took her to the small town of Grandview. At 16 she succumbed to the lure of Winnipeg. Her first real job in the big city was with the Manitoba Power Commission where she soon met a gangly, fun-loving fellow named Wally. Although it was pretty much love at first sight, due to Wally's advanced age (a full five years older than the still innocent farm girl, Helen) they decided to part ways. A few short months later, though, they reconnected, and the rest is history. Together, Helen and Wally raised three daughters who, in time, blessed them with a passel of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In their many years together, family and friends were always a priority. Nothing gave Helen more pleasure than to create the perfect meal for that special someone. Many of Helen's happiest memories were from her years at her beloved Westhawk Lake cottage where, as the "hostess with the mostest" she cheerfully entertained any friends or family game to make the drive from Winnipeg to "the lake". Needless to say, the Arnold cottage was a veritable hive of activity in the summer months!
After losing Wally in 2011, Helen was determined to maintain the lifestyle they'd both loved; winters in Pharr, Texas and summers at the cottage. And she did just that until 2017 when, at the age of 84, she followed her three daughters west to BC to make Fernie's Rocky Mountain Village her home and hub for her six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. For seven happy years, the walls of Helen's various apartments were a gallery of ever-changing family photos and artwork.
Helen will be remembered by all those she touched as a gentle, easy-going soul whose main objective was to glide through life with grace and elegance. (However, as anyone who ever played a game with her would surely attest, she was no pushover at the games table and was absolutely not beyond employing various devious tactics to avoid losing!)
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 11, 2025
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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I remember Helen as a classy caring LADY! Sorry for your family's loss. - Posted by: Sharon Peichl (Friend) on: Jan 12, 2025
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Rod & I are soo very sorry to hear of Helen's passing. Rod worked for Wally & through the years we all became good friends. We spent many fun times together. Helen & I stayed in touch by phone every year or two & got caught up on everything. I am missing her very much. Our love & Condolences to Her Girls & Family Members. Rod & Carol Bond - Posted by: Rod & Carol Bond (Friend) on: Jan 11, 2025
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We are so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I always remember how beautifully your mom dressed and the many times we came to your place on Marshall Bay in Fort Garry and had great times! We missed your mom moving out West and were hoping we could have connected with her before she did. We were sad that we couldn’t locate her after many tries. I know she was looking forward to join you girls out West. Our sincere condolences and sympathy to all of the family. Love Kim (Arnold) Smith. - Posted by: Kim & Ron Smith (Neice) on: Jan 11, 2025
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Condolences to the family. I’m glad she decided to move close to her children and grandchildren to enjoy those special years together. A memory and keepsake of my Aunt Helen was a Christmas when I was a little girl. The gift from my Aunt Helen was a rust corduroy housecoat with a trim of black and gold that she made for me. The special part of the gift was a matching housecoat for my Barbie doll. I still have Barbie’s housecoat. Rest in peace Aunt Helen ❤️ - Posted by: Gayle and Keith Simm (Niece) on: Jan 11, 2025
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Our sincere Condolences to Robin and Tracy and their families. One of our favorite memories is the pre-Christmas dinner with Uncle Wally and Auntie Helen. The candles were burning, Frank was quietly singing in the background, the silver was used and everything about the evening was perfect. Auntie Helen was dressed to a tee and we spent the evening hearing about all their children and grandchildren's activities for the past year. We truly miss them both but know they are finally re-united forever. - Posted by: Bob and Arlene (Godson and wife) on: Jan 11, 2025