Obituary of Helen Vaagen

Helen passed away peacefully at the Wetaskiwin Hospital and Care Center in Wetaskiwin, Alberta on December 27, 2009. Helen was predeceased by her husband Einner in 2005, her parents Mary and Louis Costello, her sisters Marge and Eva and her brothers Melvin and Harry. Helen leaves to cherish her memory her children: Larry (Dianna) Vaagen of Shell Lake, Sask., Linda (Lloyd) Erhardt of Wetaskiwin, AB., Joan (Derek) Moore of Calgary,AB. Her grandchildren: Russell (Carla) Vaagen of Warman, Sask and their children Nicolas, Ruth and Sarah, Jeffrey (Nicole) Vaagen of Saskatoon, Sask and their children Brianna, Elliot and Ainsley, Jennie (Doug) Warren of Warman Sask and their children Sophie and Matt, Kerri(Bryce) Cook of Spruce Grove, AB. and their children Makayla, Nolan and Krista, Lisa (Cory) Lagace of Mulhurst Bay and their daughter Chloe, Kristian Erhardt of Leduc AB., Kelsey Erhardt of Wetaskiwin AB., Aaron Moore of Calgary, AB., Amber Moore of Edmonton, AB.; and numerous nieces, nephews and countless friends. Helen was born in Holdfast, Sask in 1919. She received most of her schooling in Bruno and Cudworth and then attended Normal School in Saskatoon. Helen came to Shell Lake in 1940 to teach in a one room school with 50 students from grade 1-8. She met Einner Vaagen and they were married in 1942. Together they farmed in the Shell Lake area for over 50 years. In 2005, Helen moved to Wetaskiwin, AB. to be near her daughter, Linda. Helen loved dancing and in fact is lovingly remembered at the Wetaskiwin Nursing home as "the lady who danced with her walker." She took great pride in her garden and yard and her efforts were rewarded with a number of awards recognizing her exceptional achievements in this area. She enjoyed skating and curling and though not a gambler, she could play a mean game of Norwegian Whist or Kaiser. Helen was a wonderful cook whose homemade buns were a family favorite. Community and church activities were important to Helen. She had a strong faith in God and truly was an inspiration to her friends, family and community. Helen adored her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Though it feels unnatural that she is no longer with us, she will remain forever in our hearts. Rest in peace, Mom, Grandma and Great Grandma. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Wednesday, December 30th, 2009 at 11:00 am from the Shell Lake Community Hall with Rev. Fr. Francis Agbezuge as celebrant. The eulogy was given by Jeff Vaagen, Kerri Cook and Amber Moore. Bll Martodam was the Music Director. The Crossbearer was Nicolas Vaagen. The Honorary Pallbearers were "All Of Helen's friends and relatives". The active pjallbearers were Russell Vaagen, Jeffrey Vaagen, Doug Warren, Aaron Moore, Kris Erhardt and Bryce Cook. In lieu of flowers, donations in Helen's memory may be made to the Alzheimers Association or the Shell Lake Cemetery.