Obituary of Helen Harding

Harding, Helen Ruth (nee) Foster May 30,1918 – Consort, Alberta June 22,2014 – Calgary, Alberta Helen Ruth (Foster) Harding of Calgary passed away peacefully at the Mayfair Care Center on June 22, 2014 at the age of 96 years. Ruth was born on May 29, 1918, the second child of homesteaders Alfred James and Clara Agnes (Clapperton) Foster at Consort, Alberta. She attended McDougal Commercial College in Edmonton and was a top notch secretary, retiring from the CNR in 1969. Our mom was as much a friend as a mother to us all. She was gifted with an exceptional intelligence and a keen ability for understanding people and situations. She was always there for us with a listening ear and sound advice. Forever the optimist, she always made the very best of life’s challenges and consistently maintained a positive attitude. One of her favorite comments in her later years: “It’s been a good life.” Ruth will be lovingly remembered by her children; Marg (Terry) Larose, Tom (Marne) Harding and Josie (Bob) Bridgewater. ‘Gumma’ will be deeply missed by her grandchildren; Darren (Kyra), Rachelle and Aimee LaRose; Brynne (Tom), Graeme (LeAnne) and Allison Harding; and Shannon (Ryan) Pelletier. Ruth was blessed with 3 beloved great grandsons; Gordon, Henry and James Pelletier. She is also survived by her very dear nephew Rob Anderson of Victoria, BC and her sister-in-law Peggy Wilson of Belmont, Ontario. She was predeceased by her husband Gordon in 2001, and her two sisters Mary Litke and Margaret Anderson. The family would like to thank the staff of the Statesman Huntington and Staywell Manors and the Mayfair Care Center for their patience, excellent care, and compassion toward our mother during her last years. ‘Our guiding light has passed, but her strength lives on within us.’ Forward condolences through www.hffs.com. Memorial tributes in Ruth’s name may be made to a charity of your choice.