Helen Foster
Helen Foster
August 23, 1934 - May 16, 2026
It is with sadness and gratitude that we share that Helen Foster died this morning, May 16, 2026, three days earlier than anticipated. Last week, with Helen’s permission, we shared that she had chosen to receive medical assistance in dying in the near future. Helen died peacefully this morning before that scheduled date.
We give thanks for Helen’s life, for her place in this community, and for the love, wisdom, and presence she shared with those around her.
A funeral service celebrating Helen’s life will be held at McDougall United Church on Wednesday, May 20 at 2:00pm.
We hope this notice allows those who wish to attend the opportunity to make plans to gather, remember, grieve, and give thanks for her life. If you are unable to make the service in person, it will be live streamed on our YouTube page here: https://www.youtube.com/@mcdougallunitedchurchcalga4407
As a community of faith, we hold Helen and her loved ones in prayer. We honour her dignity, her agency, and her belovedness. We trust that God’s grace is present in this time, surrounding her and all who love her.
Messages of condolence and support may be sent to the church office and will be passed on to the family.
Obituary
It is with profound sadness that the family of Helen Foster announces her passing on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the age of 91.
Helen was the beloved wife of Thomas "Tom"; loved mother of Ken (Christine), Joanne (Greg), and Janet (Keith); cherished Baba of Derrick (Kassandra), Dean (Stacey), Matthew (Rayan), Kristin (Tyler), and Nicole (Nick); great-Baba to "Ellie"; and sister to Vera (Dick), Nadia (Chris), Doug (Kossene), Gary (Geri), Leslie (Denis), Lorna (Jerry), and Alan (Shelly). Helen was predeceased by her husband Tom, her mother Anna, her father Konstanty, and her brother Victor.
Born as Halina to Anna and Konstanty Spodarek in Poland on August 23, 1934, she and her family immigrated to Canada (through Pier 21) when she was four years old, where her name was officially changed to Helen. Growing up on a farm near Fairview, AB, Helen learned the value of hard work, the strength of family and friends, the importance of education, and resourcefulness—values which created and instilled the strength and compassion of her character.
Her work ethic resulted in careers with McDougall United Church and then with G.E. Shaw Holdings Ltd./C.R. Carroll Holdings Ltd., where she was challenged by a diverse and demanding work environment. She was respected for her sharp mind and can-do attitude. Helen was asked back to work after retiring to assist with the 1996 Rotary International Convention in Calgary. Helen happily agreed and became the first secretary to attend a Rotary Conference; she thoroughly enjoyed the experience and was named a Paul Harris Fellow recipient for her contributions to Rotary.
Helen possessed a curious mind and was interested in everything, always wanting to learn and interested in everyone around her. She loved to travel and experience new sights, cultures and meet new people. She and Tom shared numerous adventures on the road in their little van, cruising, flying to far-away places, and hiking, golfing, exploring, and camping closer to home. She enjoyed and excelled at most things she tried, but one of her favourite pastimes was golf, especially the thrill of hitting a hole-in-one in 1986. She loved to curl and spent many years enjoying bonspiels with friends and family, and belonged to several different leagues, resulting in many lasting friendships. Helen's mind was never at rest; even her downtime was filled with reading, doing crossword puzzles, and jigsaw puzzles. Cards were a favourite activity, especially playing with her bridge group, which resulted in fun times and everlasting friendships.
Helen's faith was strong, and she enjoyed all aspects of her lengthy fellowship at McDougall United Church. There she worked, volunteered, and found comfort and warmth in services, and friendships she treasured.
Of all of Helen's many accomplishments, being a loving wife for 65 years, a brilliant mother, and an amazing Baba were her greatest achievements. Helen touched many people, and her compassion, laughter, love of life, and true kindness will forever be missed.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Manor Village for their kindness, compassion, and support. Memorial Services will be held at McDougall United Church (8516 Athabasca Street S.E., Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Church Hall. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mrs. Foster's service streamed live at: www.youtube.com/@mcdougallunitedchurchcalga4407, on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted on McDougall United Church's website.
If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to Parkinson Canada, www.parkinson.ca.
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Helen's family at www.MHFH.com or through the McDougall United Church's office.
In living memory of Helen Foster, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes.