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This service will be livestreamed HERE. A reception will follow the memorial service.

Helen Lorraine Gulley

Helen was born on September 9th, 1940, in Calgary, Alberta, to Thomas and Madeline Ridley. She grew up in the Renfrew neighbourhood with her brother, Don, and attended Stanley Jones Elementary and Crescent Heights High School. Though small in stature, she was full of spirit playing basketball, figure skating, and learning piano, which  grew into a love of classical music and singing.

After a year at the University of Calgary, Helen chose to pursue secretarial work. She joined Calgary’s transit department and became secretary to the Land Commissioner. At 24, she and her friend Carol Lynn set off for Honolulu to work as secretaries. She returned home two years later in 1966.

Shortly after, she met David Gulley at First Baptist Church. Their first date was a church day retreat in Banff. David proposed the following Valentine’s Day, and they married on April 15th, 1968. In 1971, they bought their first home, and Helen left her job as they welcomed their daughter, Katherine and then 15 months later Christine.

When David became a school principal in Banff, the family moved again. There, Helen found joy in volunteering at her daughters’ school and discovered a passion for curling. In 1980, the family relocated to Kamloops, BC. Though hesitant at first, Helen embraced her new community, becoming deeply involved with St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, the Women’s Missionary Society, and several charity organizations. She balanced her community work with being a devoted mother, never missing a school play, game, or recital.

Later in life, Helen found immense joy in being a grandmother to Jeffrey, Jacob, Reid, and Isobelle. She adored each of them, stayed involved in their lives, and always had cookies at the ready.

Helen lived a full, adventurous, and generous life. She will be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, loyal friend, and enthusiastic Blue Jays fan. Her legacy of warmth, kindness, and quiet strength will be deeply missed by all who knew her.