Obituary of Helen Irene Schmidt

Helen Irene Schmidt, age 96, died peacefully on Monday, April 29, 2024, at the Drumheller Hospital with her family by her side.

Helen was born on April 22, 1928, in Scapa, Alberta to parents Louis and Lenora (nee Halverson) Weich.  She was the oldest of nine children.  She was part of five living generations: Mrs. Adolf Weich, Louis Weich, Helen Schmidt, Lawrence Schmidt, and Michael Schmidt.

She worked for the McCandless’s before marriage, where she met David Schmidt and they married November 30, 1947. Their family grew as they welcomed their first son Lawrence; followed by three more sons: Leslie, Marvin and Gerald.

Helen loved and collected dolls. She was raised in the hardships of the 30’s and was never able to have her own doll. Helen would make her own dolls out of left over scraps or materials. When she was able to, she started buying and collecting her own dolls. Helen enjoyed looking at other people’s collections and she continued buying dolls until her passing.

Around the age of 50, Helen earned her driver’s license. With her driver’s license she was able to drive to Hanna for work and was employed at the Canada Grey Motor Inn and the Hanna Inn.  She worked until David was admitted into the Drumheller Nursing Home in Drumheller, Alberta. Helen tried to keep David at home as long as she could. It was very important to Helen to visit her husband as often as she could at the nursing home.

Married life was not always easy, as there were numerous crop failures. The family would rely on Helen’s cream and chicken money. She would also trade extra produce with the neighbours. She was known by some to have the sweetest strawberries around.

Helen worked hard to build a yard to grow trees and garden in the early 1960’s.  She brought in topsoil with the help of her young son Les.

Travelling was something that Helen enjoyed doing. She travelled in her van with her sister Hilda, cousin Annette or daughter-in-law Mary.  She also had the opportunity to travel with her “adoptive grandson” Markus. Later in life she decided to quit driving, but still wanted to be on the farm. Helen was then able to travel with her son Gerald to numerous places in Montana, Las Vegas and Disneyland to visit her son Lawrence.

Helen loved to crochet and made many creations that she sold at the farmers market and gave to family and friends as gifts. She also loved to garden and spend time with her cats and dogs. She also enjoyed sewing, cooking, baking and canning.

Helen’s greatest passion was spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

As her health failed over the years Gerald became her caregiver, with much help from Marvin and Mary. This allowed her to stay at home and be on the farm. Where she loved and wanted to be.

We are so very thankful for Helen’s sister Florence. Florence spent many days and nights with Helen during her final days of life.

Helen is survived and will be deeply missed by her sons: Leslie (Cecile), Marvin (Mary) and Gerald; daughter in law Mimi; grandchildren: Michael (Tracey), Karie (Chad), Rachel (Andy),  Frances (Mark); step grandchildren: Ilsy (Mike) and Osman; great grandchildren: Ryan, Jackson, Cody, Tanner, Sophie and Sam; step great grandchildren: Eliana, Josiah, Amiyah and Asher; brother George and sister Florence; sisters in law: Jeanette and Mary; numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband David; son Lawrence; sister Hilda Paxman; brothers: Edwin (Eddy) (Age 7), Gordon, Bob, Harry and Ronnie; brothers in law: Cliff Paxman and Bud Johnston; sisters in law: Lena, Betty and Diane.

A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2024, 1:00 p.m., at St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery, near Scapa, Alberta with a lunch to follow at the Scapa Hall.

If desired, donations in memory of Helen can be made directly to either the Heart and Stroke Foundation, STARS Air Ambulance or to the Harvest Sky Animal Rescue.

Hanna Funeral Services Ltd. has been trusted with the care and arrangements, 403-854-5956, www.hannafuneral.ca.