Graff, Helene (Koss) Nee: Wagner, passed away on Friday, June 9, 2023 at Vulcan Extendicare at the age of 102 years.
Helene was born to Julianna and Reinhold Wagner on March 23, 1921 on her parents’ farm near Roblin, Manitoba. She was the third child in a family that was blessed with fourteen children. After leaving home, she worked as a maid in the Hamiota and Brandon areas of Manitoba.
On November 22, 1942, Helene married Albert Otto Koss. She joined him in Winnipeg and then in Esquimalt where Al served in the army. She found employment at the Yarrows Shipyard working on a riveting team, building a frigate. After the war, they returned to the Russell area where they farmed and raised three children. They moved to Russell in 1964, where Helene worked as a dental assistance. Following Al’s death in 1972, she moved to Winnipeg and again enjoyed working as a dental assistant until she moved to Alberta.
Helene married Rudy Graff on March 29, 1980 and moved to Vulcan where Rudy farmed. They became active congregants of the Bethel Lutheran Church in Vulcan, where she was a member of the ladies guild. Rudy and Helene enjoyed 27 years together during which they traveled extensively. After he passed away in 2007, Helene continued to live on the farm until 2018, when she moved into Peter Dawson Lodge in Vulcan. In March of 2023, she moved to Vulcan Extendicare.
Helene is survived by her children: David (Denise) Koss, Connie (Dr. Ron) Boyar and Diana (Allan) Graff, Dr. Clarence (Janet) Graff, Larry (Barbara) Graff, as well as fourteen grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, four brothers, four sisters and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husbands – Albert Otto Koss and Rudolph Graff, her parents, two sisters and three brothers.
Funeral Service will be held Monday, June 19, 2023 at 2 p.m. at the Vulcan Evangelical Missionary Church (529 Centre Street) with Reverend David Fletcher officiating. Interment at the Vulcan Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, if desired, donations may be made in memory of Helene to Marquis Foundation, Peter Dawson Lodge, Box 750, Vulcan, AB, T0L 2B0, or to Extendicare Auxiliary, Box 810, Vulcan, AB, T0L 2B0.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences through www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca. (We Remember).
Condolences to Helene’s family. She was a special friend of my mom Phyllis Hunter, and they last spoke by phone on my mom’s 100th birthday
My family and I would like like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Aunt Helene’s family. She was a very special gracious lady and it was a great privilege to have known her these past years when she was a part of our family. What wonderful memories she left behind for everyone that knew her! Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Evelyn Kurtz and family