Our beloved Helena passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family in the ICU unit of the RDRH.

She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, and aunt.

After her youngest Ryan started kindergarten, Helena went back to school to become an RN, with several scholarships accrediting her academic achievements. Her entire career was enjoyed in the technically, mentally and physically demanding ICU unit at RDRH. In 1997 a crippling back injury was sustained in the ICU, that eventually ended her dream vocation. A devout catholic, Helena will be fondly remembered for her strong and protective dedication to family and community.

Survived by her loving husband, Ron Russell; sons, Tony (Cathy), Ryan (Lacey); 7 grandsons; 1 granddaughter; 2 great grandsons; 3 sisters, Janine (Tom), Johnnie, Susan (Jack); brother in-law, Tom; sister in-law, Linda; 2 sister in-laws Norma (Nick), Debbie (Carl) and many nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by her son, Robert; parents, Armand and Rose DesRochers; brothers, Francis and Albert; sisters, Margaret and Cathy; her in-laws, Roy and Gwen Russell; sister in-law, Linda and brother in-law, Bob.

The family would like to thank all of the doctors and nurses in the ICU unit for the extraordinary care given to Helena during her final journey there. Words cannot express our gratitude.

A Funeral Mass for Helena will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 6 McMillan Avenue, Red Deer, AB on Thursday, November 24, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. with Father Len Cadieux as celebrant.

Memorial contributions may be made in Helena’s honor to the ICU unit of the RDRH Red Deer Regional Health Foundation, 3942 50A Avenue, Red Deer, AB T4N 4Z5 , or the Red Deer Hospice Society 99 Arnot Avenue, Red Deer, AB, T4R 3S6.

• Date : 2016-11-15
• Location : Red Deer