HENAULT, Helen Mae (nee IRWIN)
Passed away peacefully on January 4th, 2011 at the age of 80. Helen is lovingly remembered by her husband of 62 years, Richard, her children Theresa (Jerry) Wynn of Edmonton and Gerald (Lilliane) of Carrot Creek, her brother Alan (Isabell) Irwin of Edmonton, grandchildren Michael Henault of Wetaskiwin, Desiree (Gavin) Albert of North Battleford, SK, Jason Henderson and Jeremiah Henault both of Edmonton, Dustin Henault and Alexandrea Voyageur of Carrot Creek, Chantel and Sage Voyageur and great grandchildren Charity and Esther Albert of North Battleford, SK.
Helen is predeceased by her children Sharen and Richard (Rick), her infant child, Rodney, her parents Charles Fremont Irwin and Edna Mae (Shantz) Irwin, her brother Robert (Bob) Irwin, her sisters Ruth Burns and Jean Bossert.
Helen was born at Carrot Creek on April 24, 1930, to Charles and Edna (Shantz) Irwin. She was the 4th of 5 children: Robert (Bob), Alan, Ruth and Jean. As a youth and teen, and already a self confessed tom boy, Helen helped with the outdoor chores when her father, brothers and sister Ruth left to join the war effort. In 1947 she met Richard Henault of Wildwood, and they were married in 1948. They had four children, Sharen in 1948, Richard Jr. in 1950, Theresa in 1954 and Gerald in 1958. With a few years exception while at Mercoal, on the Coal Branch, they have lived on the family quarter in Carrot Creek for all of their married life. While no one could call her life easy, Mom had a way of looking on the bright side and keeping a stiff upper lip. She was known for her big heart, opening her home to anyone in need, embracing everyone regardless of status, with unconditional love. Mom’s love of family, friends, but most especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren has been foremost in her life. Her enjoyment of nature was nurtured by her life in the country; walking the trails, picking wildflowers and berries, bird watching and relishing seeing the wild game that live on the place, walking to the store and visiting with friends along the way. She was grateful that she and Dad were able to live beside her parents on the homestead for most of their lives. She was a dedicated daughter and caregiver, and caregiver to both of her parents in their later life.
Special thanks to Dr. Robinson, the nurses and staff at Edson Hospital for their wonderful care over the last several months.
A Celebration Of Life Service was held at the Carrot Creek Hall on January 8th, 2011 at 2:00 pm. Prior visitation was open to family and friends at the Edson Funeral Home at 7:30 pm until 9:00 pm, on Friday, January 7th, 2011.
As per Mom’s wishes, in lieu of floral tributes, donations in her name may be made to the Green Grove Public Library, Box 219, Niton Junction, AB, T0E 1S0.
EDSON FUNERAL HOME LTD. (780-723-3575) entrusted with all arrangements. To leave a condolence online, please visit our website www.edsonfuneralhome.com.
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