“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
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Memory wall
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.
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.
