Helga Elisabeth Nordstrom
“A life well lived is a series of moments, strung together with love and laughter.” — Unknown
Obituary
Helga passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family at Hospice House in Vernon, B.C. on January 24th, 2025 at the age of 73 years. She is survived by her loving husband Ken, to whom she was married for 54 years, her son Kim (Kitty), her daughter Barbara (Ross), her sister Ingrid (John), her brother Gordon (Diana), her grandchildren Jake, Elisabeth and Braden along with numerous extended family members and friends.
Helga was predeceased by her parents Gerhard and Kaethe Buchner.
Helga was born in Düren, Germany and in 1953 immigrated to Canada and the family settled in Quesnel, B.C. In 1967 they moved to Prince George where she finished her education and met her future husband.
Helga and Ken moved to Williams Lake, then Terrace, before coming to Vernon where our children finished their education and Helga obtained her Dental Assistant Certificate. In 1992 they moved to Peace River, Alberta, then Calgary and Edmonton.
After retiring, they moved back to Vernon, B.C. to be close to their children and grandchildren.
Helga’s outgoing, curious nature and quick smile allowed her to make many friends. She became a passionate pickleball player and golfer. She also loved to garden and spend time in nature, going on many long distance hikes.
She will be missed by many and a Celebration of Helga’s Life will be held at a later date.
As an expression of sympathy, those who wish to do so may send donations in memory of Helga to the North Okanagan Hospice Society or to the B.C. Cancer Society.
Timeline
0
July 9th
TitleLake Ohara
On July 9th our son Kim and daughter Barb along with Kitty and grandkids Braden and Toby took the shuttle up to Lake Ohara, we did a walk around the lake then took the trail up to Lake McArthur where we spread Helga’s ashes. Years ago we hiked the trails in that area and Helga said this is the most beautiful place in the world and when she passes she would like to be here. A very emotional day but one we were all very happy to have accomplished.
0
October
Encanterra
Encanterra
Purchased a home in a gated community in Arizona
1951
Born December 16
in Düren, Germany
1953
Helga traveled the Atlantic with her mom to move to Canada
1953
The Buchner Family Settled in Quesnel
1967
The Buchner Family moved to Prince George
1970
March
Helga married Ken Nordstrom
1970
August
Ken and Helga welcome their son Kim to the world
1971
Ken Started to work with Finning Tractor in Prince George
1973
Moved to Williams Lake with Finning
1975
November
Ken and Helga welcome their daughter Barb to the world
1978
Moved to Terrace BC with Finning
1979
Moved to Vernon
1991
Ken and Helga moved to Peace River AB
1995
July
Ken and Helga moved to Calgary
1998
August
Backpacked the West Coast Trail a 7 Day Trek, we went with Bill and Venke Hague and their 3 children
1999
Ken and Helga moved to Edmonton
Location (optional)
2001
Backpacked the Jasper Skyline Trail
2010
In October purchased a home in Encanterra, a gated community in Arizona
2014
Trip to Paris and a river cruise to Amsterdam
2016
September
Tour de Mont Blanc in the French Alps with a side trip to Berlin
2018
1st
Hiked the Scottish Highlands from Glasgow to Inverness
2018
October 1st
Moved to Predator Ridge in Vernon
2019
Kayaked the Haida Gawaii
Gallery
Videos
Memory wall
Post your condolences or share your Memories.
December 17, 2025
Yesterday was my Mom's birthday. Remembering her over the day was hard, and I am wishing her a Happy birthday. We love you and miss you!
September 7, 2025
We cleaned out our motor home today and found the “game box”.and with it, memories of all the times at Mabel. Hega was such an energetic soul.. She spurred us onto group dinners ,cruise snacks, early morning hikes, long swims and beachside beauty talks after we read her magazine stack for the year.
There was a crib draw (Helga and Dave) for 10 teams. I found the game rules for “15”, one of our favorite large group games, with scoresheets designed by Gary, her father. The stargazing sheets and books reminded me of her ready enthusiasm for any evening plans. There was an envelope of natures critters identification sheets and another of plant recognition and search charts ragtagged after many uses. She had games for all of us I found the Mexican Train GameGame,Backgammon, and Yatchee and many decks of cards. Helga we’ll miss your enthusiasm.. Rest well.
There was a crib draw (Helga and Dave) for 10 teams. I found the game rules for “15”, one of our favorite large group games, with scoresheets designed by Gary, her father. The stargazing sheets and books reminded me of her ready enthusiasm for any evening plans. There was an envelope of natures critters identification sheets and another of plant recognition and search charts ragtagged after many uses. She had games for all of us I found the Mexican Train GameGame,Backgammon, and Yatchee and many decks of cards. Helga we’ll miss your enthusiasm.. Rest well.
July 25, 2025
On July 9th 2025 Kim, Kitty ,Barb, Braden and Toby travelled to Lake Ohara with me to spread Helga’s ashes. We took the bus up from the parking lot to the lake and did a walk around. Then we took the trail up to Lake McArthur where we spread moms ashes on a bluff overlooking the lake. Helga always said that this was one of the most beautiful places in the world and this is where she would like to be when she passed.
Unfortunately it was a cold and rainy day but we were all blessed with being able to fulfill Helga’s wishes, we will all go back again.
Unfortunately it was a cold and rainy day but we were all blessed with being able to fulfill Helga’s wishes, we will all go back again.
May 6, 2025
Helga, who at 73, packed more life into her years than most could dream of. A tireless hiker, an awesome golfer, and let’s not forget PB.
A lady never short of advice, she was a non-nonsense force of nature with a competitive streak that kept everyone on their toes.
She and Ken were a perfect pair—partners on the trail, on the green and in life.
Helga, Fierce, fun, and full of purpose,
Helga didn’t just live life……. She charged at it …..with hiking boots, laced, and golf clubs ready. We will miss her Wit, her wisdom, and that unforgettable spirit.
I know she would want all of us to ‘ Grab life, and live it’.
A lady never short of advice, she was a non-nonsense force of nature with a competitive streak that kept everyone on their toes.
She and Ken were a perfect pair—partners on the trail, on the green and in life.
Helga, Fierce, fun, and full of purpose,
Helga didn’t just live life……. She charged at it …..with hiking boots, laced, and golf clubs ready. We will miss her Wit, her wisdom, and that unforgettable spirit.
I know she would want all of us to ‘ Grab life, and live it’.
May 5, 2025
We first met Helga on a walking trip with the Bristleworms in Waterton National Park in 2010 and did a few further hiking trips in Canada over the next few years. We had the pleasure doing the Tour du Mount Blanc and hiking in Scotland with Helga and Ken. Helga will be sadly missed by both of us.
Kathy and Hans Wijgers. Australia
Kathy and Hans Wijgers. Australia
May 4, 2025
1
Helga,
I wish that you were reading all of these lovely memories of you.
Helga and I met at Encanterra in 2009. We hooked up as partners in pickleball and golf. She was my golf mentor. Helga trained me to play match play. She taught me all of the secrets that she knew. During our 18 holes, we discussed everything that women need to know about life. I will deeply miss her. I drive by her house and I think of her. Always practicing, always learning and loving the challenges of the games.
I will remember you.
Yours Lorraine
I wish that you were reading all of these lovely memories of you.
Helga and I met at Encanterra in 2009. We hooked up as partners in pickleball and golf. She was my golf mentor. Helga trained me to play match play. She taught me all of the secrets that she knew. During our 18 holes, we discussed everything that women need to know about life. I will deeply miss her. I drive by her house and I think of her. Always practicing, always learning and loving the challenges of the games.
I will remember you.
Yours Lorraine
May 1, 2025
I met Helga and her family in 1980 when they moved into the neighbourhood in Vernon. We shared many interests along with our kids, and she was the one that inspired me to hike in the Rockies. Ken and Helga introduced us to day hiking at Lake O’Hara, Lake Louise and Kannanaskis. Helga and I planned a spectacular week long backpack trip together on the West Coast Trail ….I believe it was her idea!! We had an amazing time together ❤️
Another memory that stands out very strong is how Helga helped me when I was very sick and at home alone. She convinced my doctor to admit me to Kelowna Hospital. She absolutely saved my life. I am forever grateful for her help, but also for her dear friendship. I will miss her, and will always remember her.
Thank you Helga for being such a great friend.
Another memory that stands out very strong is how Helga helped me when I was very sick and at home alone. She convinced my doctor to admit me to Kelowna Hospital. She absolutely saved my life. I am forever grateful for her help, but also for her dear friendship. I will miss her, and will always remember her.
Thank you Helga for being such a great friend.
April 27, 2025
Our sweet Helga. Always kind and generous heart. I love she energy on the course…always a skip in her step and a courtesy at the flag, filling divots and collecting feathers. You fought the good fight and we will miss you here at Predator Ridge.
April 6, 2025
My friend Helga, where do I start? Helga was one of the first people I met when I moved to Predator Ridge. With her quick smile, easy laugh and sincere conversations I knew I had made a good friend.
Such a positive person with a truly remarkable zest for life. When I think of her I always see her in motion. Her little body was never still!
She was a true guardian of the Earth repurposing and recycling more than anyone I know. I miss her dearly and I hold her in my heart.
Such a positive person with a truly remarkable zest for life. When I think of her I always see her in motion. Her little body was never still!
She was a true guardian of the Earth repurposing and recycling more than anyone I know. I miss her dearly and I hold her in my heart.
April 2, 2025
I will miss Helga a lot when the golfing starts. That's where we spent time together. For me I think the talking (socialization) was more important than the golf. Her long drives, her chips and her putts were always fun to watch. Her super good sportsmanship and and friendliness to be admired. My sincere condolences to Ken and the family.
March 26, 2025
1
I only had the pleasure of knowing Helga for the past few years.
She was a delight! Helga was kind, generous and encouraging. Helga was always looking out for the welfare of others before herself. She gave me many tips for golf, pickle ball and life in general. I will always remember Helga being a guardian of the fairways, picking up debris, using many bottles of sand to fill divots, leaving the course better than she found it.
The fairways will be emptier this year without Helga, but I will carry her spirit with me with each divot I fill and each swing I take.
She was a delight! Helga was kind, generous and encouraging. Helga was always looking out for the welfare of others before herself. She gave me many tips for golf, pickle ball and life in general. I will always remember Helga being a guardian of the fairways, picking up debris, using many bottles of sand to fill divots, leaving the course better than she found it.
The fairways will be emptier this year without Helga, but I will carry her spirit with me with each divot I fill and each swing I take.
March 24, 2025
In 1996 we were moved to Calgary from Perth and I knew nobody. I joined Newcomers and was lucky enough to meet Helga very early on. We bonded over hiking and a shared joy of the outdoors. It was wonderful when Ken joined us too for our Bristleworm adventures in the Rockies and later on some wonderful linear hikes. Hella was always such a cheerful and optimistic presence and I loved her company and approach to life. We shared many happy hours on the trail with lots of laughing and joy. Those are the things I will miss most about Helga. I will carry her in my heart on the hiking trail and in the trail of life. She was one of life's treasures and I count myself lucky yo have met her.
March 24, 2025
Helga was a treasured gift and she will live on in my heart always and forever. Her uniquely genuine and incredibly funny “self” were two of her many traits that I loved. She was tenacious exhibiting dogged determination in everything she did.. She embraced life fully and completely. She is missed!
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