The Cowhig family is sad to announce Helen Margaret Cowhig passed away peacefully in White Rock, June 28th, at the grand age of 105.
Helen was born in Regina, Saskatchewan, on May 25th, 1917, the youngest of five children, to Joseph Patrick Cowhig and Catherine Jane (Crawford) Cowhig. She was predeceased by her brothers Harold and Clarence, her sisters Qu’Appelle and Bernice, her niece Ann and nephew Peter. She is survived by her nieces and nephews Mary, Gemma, John, Michael, Paul, Margaret, Paddy (Cherrill), and Kathleen, as well as many second and third-generation nieces and nephews.
Helen was an independent and strong-willed woman, adventurous and fun. She loved to dance, to explore life. In 1943 she left her comfortable home in Regina and enlisted in the Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Service (WRENS) where she rose to the rank of Petty Officer. In 1946 she was drafted to Esquimalt, H.M.C.S Naden, for demobilization. Helen continued to work in various offices in H.M.C. Dockyard, later called C.F.B. Esquimalt, until she retired to White Rock in 1977 to care for her sister Qu'Appelle who passed away in 1978. Prior to that Helen took care of her mother for 7 years in Victoria.
In 1982, Helen's widowed sister, Bernice McCall (Birdie), moved to White Rock from Edmonton. Although Birdie had her own condominium, they were constant companions and took many trips together worldwide. As Birdie’s health declined Helen was there 24/7 to care for her.
Helen joined the Star of the Sea CWL in 1977 and was Organization Chairperson for several years. She worked at Bingo, Meals on Wheels, Hospital Visiting, and was a regular lector at Sunday Masses. Always kind and caring, much loved by her family and friends, we will never forget how she touched us all in our shared journey through life.
The family would like to thank the personnel of the Peninsula Retirement Living for the many laughs and the loving care shown to Helen through the nine years she enjoyed there. Thanks also to the nurses and others at the Peace Arch Hospital South, 6th floor, for the love and tender care they gave Helen during her final days. The staff of both the Peninsula and the hospital were a great comfort for Helen’s family.
Mass of Christian Burial was held Wednesday, July 6th, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Good Shepherd Parish 2250 150th St., Surrey, B.C.
Donations in lieu of flowers to Catholic Charities, Vancouver, BC.
Condolences may be sent to: condolencesforhelen@gmail.com