HELGESON: Judith Gilma
March 26, 1921 β February 27, 2017
Mrs. Judith Gilma (nee Thoen) Helgeson of Quill Plains Centennial Lodge, Watson, SK, (and formerly of LeRoy, SK, and Lanigan, SK), passed away peacefully on Monday, February 27, 2017, at Humboldt District Hospital, Humboldt, SK, surrounded by her family. She was 95 years of age, and the last surviving member of her generation. Judith, the third of four children, was born on March 26, 1921, to Charles and Anna (nee Anderson) Thoen at St. Elizabethβs Hospital, Humboldt. She was raised on the family farm in the LeRoy district, and attended Linton Rural School. During her school years, her favorite extracurricular activity was playing softball. On December 9, 1936, Judith married John Helgeson. They began their life together at LeRoy. Over the next several years, Judith and John were blessed with five children, three daughters and two sons. In the fall of 1938, the Helgeson family moved to their homestead at Pleasantdale, SK. They resided there until 1941, when they returned to LeRoy. John enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force and was stationed in Vancouver, BC. The family lived together there for two-and-a-half years.Β At that time, John was transferred to England, while Judith and the children returned to LeRoy. In December 1946, John received his discharge and returned home. He and Judith bought two quarters of land four miles south of LeRoy. In August 1977, after 30 years of farming there, they retired into Lanigan. John passed away on July 29, 2012. As Judithβs health began to decline, she lived in several retirement homes, most recently Quill Plains Centennial Lodge in Watson. Over the years, Judith was a devoted wife and mother. As well as working alongside her husband on the farm, she was an incomparable homemaker who excelled at cooking and baking for her family, and planting and harvesting a large garden every year. Judith possessed strong work ethics, and anything she did, was done well. In her leisure time, she enjoyed tending to her flower beds, quilting, sewing, and playing Bingo and cards. Judith will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her five children: Janet Helgeson of Lanigan, SK; Audrey Wilde of Saskatoon, SK; Burness Helgeson of Calgary, AB; Doreen Helgeson (Phil) of Saskatoon, SK; and Kevin (Karen) Helgeson of Slocan, BC; 13 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great-grandchildren; one great-great-great-grandchild; and by numerous nieces, nephews, and their families.Β She was predeceased by her husband, John Helgeson Jr. (July 29, 2012); son-in-law, Herb Wilde; parents, Charles and Anna (nee Anderson) Thoen; two sisters:Β Lillian (Joe) Helgeson; and Edna (Don) Grant; one brother, Art (Gladys) Thoen; sister-in-law, Myrtle (Andrew) Thoen; and by several nieces and nephews. The Lutheran Funeral Service was held at Holy Rosary R.C. Church, LeRoy, on Saturday, March 4, 2017, at 3:00 p.m., officiated by Pastor Colette Baker. Others taking part were:Β Jan Helgeson, urnbearer; Lana Justin and Lynette Kusman, scripture readers; and Doreen Helgeson, eulogist.Β Music ministry was provided by organist Elaine Siefert and vocalists Ella Braitenbach and Ursula Dac. Honorary pallbearers were βall those who celebrated Momβs lifeβ. Interment followed at LeRoy Public Cemetery. Memorial donations may be directed to either Quill Plains Centennial Lodge or the Humboldt District Hospital Foundation Palliative Care Unit.Β Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, SK.
