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With MCDONELL

January 26, 2007

MCDONELL With great sadness, the family announces the passing of Helen McDonell, formerly of the Woodcroft area of Edmonton, on January 17, 2007. Helen was born to Lilla & James Hardcastle in Winnipeg April 13, 1913, the second of four sisters. In 1925 Lilla was left alone to raise her daughters. Helen never complained about her younger years, but life could not have been easy with Lilla supporting a family on her income as an office cleaner. After completing high school, Helen worked as a hairdresser. In 1939 she met, fell in love with, and married Duncan McDonell. Unfortunately, by the end of that year, Duncan, a career soldier, was in Europe where he remained for the first five and one-half years of their marriage. Upon Duncan’s return, the couple began their family, with Richard born in 1946 and Diana in 1948. In 1956, the family moved to Edmonton. Helen was of the last generation of women to proudly identify their career as that of Homemaker. Her family was the centre and the focus of her life, and her kitchen was rarely without fresh-baked desserts. Her participation in numerous sports, including golf, bowling, curling, and skiing was always with Duncan, and in earlier years, with her children as well. She and Duncan cross-country skied into their 70s, and were lawn-bowlers and regular early-morning golfers into their 80s. After retirement, they travelled to many parts of the world. Helen was a lifelong member of the Anglican Church, and for almost 30 years was a volunteer worker at the Cross Cancer Institute. Helen was predeceased by Duncan in 2003, and by her sisters Molly, Beatrice, and Elsie. She is survived by her son, Richard (Diane) of Red Deer, daughter, Diana (Donald) of Edmonton, and grandchildren, Lianne (Bill) of Halifax, Colleen of Calgary, Kevin of Edmonton, and Andrew of Red Deer. The family wishes to extend thanks to the caring staff of Venta Care Centre, and of 6 West Misercordia Hospital, Edmonton. Funeral services for Helen McDonell will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 23, 2007 at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, 11035 – 127 Street, Edmonton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Helen’s memory to the Canadian Cancer Society. Go in peace Mom. Dad’s waiting for you. Appel Funeral Home/Central Memorial Chapel, 10530–116 St., Edmonton, AB T5H 3L7, (780)454-8088. “Our Family Serving Your Family”