Our family wishes to announce the loss of our beloved wonderful Mum, Grandmother, Great- Grandmother, Aunt and Friend, Helen Elizabeth Giles. Helen passed away at the Vulcan Community Health Centre October 9, 2014 at the age of 96 years.
Helen was the only daughter in a family of four children, born to Robert and Sara Jamison of Vulcan, AB. The Jamisons moved from the State of Washington to farm west of Vulcan in 1917. Draft horses powered farming in that era and Helen developed a strong and lasting interest in these gentle giants and subsequent riding horses. Helen was an adventurous young lady. At age 17 in 1935 she drove the family car for her parents to Vancouver and back via the Big Bend and Fraser Canyon, roads which were somewhat perilous at the time.
Following high school she attended the University of Alberta, becoming a Registered Nurse followed by a Bachelor of Science in Public Health. She accepted a position as District Nurse at Plamondon, northeast of Edmonton. In those years roads were muddy, patients scattered in the bush and conveniences few for a young nurse trained in the city. She used her Public Health knowledge pulling teeth, delivering babies in many styles of housing and assisting the visiting district doctor when he arrived. Helen and Bill Giles met at the University of Alberta as students. Bill was in the Naval Reserve – electrical engineering section. They graduated and married in 1943 in Vancouver, beginning a marvelous partnership. They moved to Victoria where Helen nursed and Bill served in the Royal Canadian Navy. They were moved to Toronto, Halifax, Ottawa, Edmonton and again to Victoria during WWII. Bill did a tour to England to inspect newly installed electric equipment on new warships during sea trials in the North Sea. After the war and the birth of two baby girls, farming called them to Vulcan for the next 30 years. Four more baby girls came along making quite a brood to nurture.
We had a wonderful life with such busy innovative parents. Helen had passion for music and the arts. She studied and played piano and organ all her life. Painting with oils and drawing were practised and appreciated. In her late seventies she was still sewing from stylish Vogue patterns. Mum and Dad bought their retirement property near Duncan on Vancouver Island in 1973. They worked hard there as well as enjoying their dream come true on the Island. Helen grew spectacular flower gardens she had never been able to grow on the prairies. She had more time for bridge, reading, boating, friends, travel and entertaining new friends.
Our families cherished their times at Duncan. We could all arrive and stay together for days at holiday times, exploring and catching up with news and to be near Helen and Bill. Adored by all, Helen exemplified living a life of caring with spirit and style. She moved back to Alberta in 2010 residing in High River until the Flood of 2013. Again she returned to live in Vulcan.
Helen lived her 96 years with grace, kindness, a unique elegance and a charming smile for all. We shall sorely miss the humor and positive inspiration of this lovely lady who was so proud of her six daughters and her extended family.
Her devoted family includes her surviving daughters: Margaret Giles Fenton (Ray), Susan Giles Dow (Don), Maureen Giles (Doug Orser), Mary Lou Giles (Gordon Hagg) and son-in-law Joe Bye (Mary Meyers); Grandchildren: Cindy Dow Pupp (Scott), Kent Fenton (Lise Tellier), Christie Dow Sorensen (Paul), Geoffrey Fenton (Deedra), Ali Dow (Brent Keyes), Michael Fenton (Lindsay), Levon Bye (Krista Lee), Arlin Bye, Emily Hagg, Will Hargrove (Alana), Gillian Hagg, Jesse Hargrove (Julie), Garett Hagg, Alexis Hagg; and eleven great-grandchildren whom she enjoyed so very much. Helen is also survived by sisters-in-law, Hazel (Neil) Giles and Helen (Ross) Giles, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Helen was predeceased by her loving husband, William (Bill) Giles in 2006 and her dearly-missed daughters: Patricia Giles in 1972 and Sally Giles (Bye) in 1992.
Our family wishes to acknowledge the staff at Vulcan Community Health Centre for their compassion and care during Mum’s long stay. Thank you.
Please join us in honoring Helen Giles’s life at the Vulcan United Church (210 – 2 Ave. South) on Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 1 p.m. Sue MacDonald, D.M. presiding.
Tributes in Helen’s memory can be made to the charity of your choice.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences through www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.
I have many fond memories of Aunt Helen. She was the only girl in a family of boys and so became a very fearless, capable and independent spirit. Her boundless energy and enthusiasm was contagious. She had a multitude of talents-sewing for six daughters or a niece’s bridal party-painting a still life or a split-level home-playing the piano or joining in a family sing-along.
We will miss her very much. Our thoughts are with her girls and their families. Love Ann
Just heard about Aunt Helen. Thoughts and prayers to all the Giles family. Aunt Helen was such a lovely lady and will be missed by all who loved her. Lots a good times in Vulcan!!! Take care Margie, Sue, Winkie and Marylou!
While I didn’t know your mother well, as a teenager I remember a vivacious lively woman. I was good friends with Pat, Sally and Sue so I have known your family a long time. It is uplifting to hear one speak with so much love and admiration for their mom. Sorry to hear of your loss. Donna Little
I’m sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. Both your Mom and Dad lived a very caring, compassionate and loving life. May GOD be with you all and heal your pain. Your love and fond memories will carry you through this sad time. Your Mom is at peace with the LORD.
Our sympathy goes out to Margie, Sue, Winky, and Marylou and families on the loss of their mother. We shared a lot of good times together, and we have many fond memories. I think you can all celebrate a life well lived.
Our sincere condolences to Helen’s family members. She will be remembered by us for her kindness and sincereity. May she enjoy everlasting peace.
Sending hugs to all the Giles girls. So tough to let go of a parent, especially one with such a big heart.
Thinking of you all. Wendy(McFarland)Johnson