It is with great sadness that the family of Helen Mary Shelford announces her passing.

Predeceased by her parents Joseph and Rosalia Curylo and beloved husband, Jim Shelford (2002). Survived by dear sons, Timothy (Stephanie), Jeremy (Andrea) and Mark (Marie Eve); brother Edward (Rose Marie) and sister Valerie (Rick); her sister-in-law Bee Palmer (Larry); and not least, her six adored grandchildren: Camille Rose, Léontine, Grace & James, Matthew, and Anya.

Helen was born and raised in Chilliwack, BC, helping out on the family dairy farm and engaging in 4-H activities and trips. She graduated high school from Chilliwack Senior Secondary School followed by a Bachelor of Education from the University of British Columbia. She started her career as a teacher for the Chilliwack School Board at Cultus Lake Elementary, then taught for the Vancouver School Board at David Lloyd George Elementary School and Emily Carr Elementary School. She also devoted her life to community service, including supporting events held by the UBC Faculty Women’s Club, hosting numerous visiting university students and academics, helping her husband and sons organize and carry out innumerable (often soggy) Scouting activities and events, or teaching catechism at Kerrisdale’s St. John the Apostle Parish.

Helen’s passions were art, including painting, flower arranging, crafts, and conducting online art classes for her grandchildren, as well as travel to exotic locations and far-flung family. Above all else though, she was the cornerstone of her family and hosted gatherings for every Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, birthday and any other celebration her family sprung on her. Stoic and fierce with her love for family and friends, even through hard times and her final battle with cancer, she will be greatly missed.

Celebration of her life: March 16th, 11 AM at St John the Apostle Church, Vancouver, BC, you may view Helen's service online at https://www.legacystreaming.com/kearney/

Helen’s ashes will be interred at a later date beside her late husband, Jim, at the cemetery in Burns Lake, BC.

In lieu of flowers, and if so desired, please support the Dr. James Arthur Shelford Memorial Scholarship.

In 2002, a scholarship at UBC was established by the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences (now Land and Food Systems) to honour Jim’s memory (Helen’s late husband). This endowed scholarship is for undergraduate and graduate students studying dairy production and Helen enjoyed assisting UBC in awarding the scholarship. The Shelford family will be working with UBC to add Helen’s name to the scholarship. Should friends wish to contribute to the scholarship, inquiries can be made to: sabrina.yan@ubc.ca, 604-822-0599 or https://give.ubc.ca/Shelford-memorial-scholarship.