November 23, 1936 – August 16, 2020
at the age of 83 years:
On August 16, 2020, heaven received another angel. It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my mother Helen Ella Porter at the age of 83.
Her unique kindness, complete selflessness; incredible strength and compassion amazed me! Qualities appreciated by all who had the pleasure of meeting her. Whether she knew you for five minutes or 50 years, her profound impact remained with you!
Always positive and generous. She loved people! This was evident in her various jobs from waitressing and shoe sales to working at Intercontinental Packers in Saskatoon, Mainline Co-op and Pioneer Lodge in Salmon Arm.
Such an example of this was a memory shared by a friend and co-worker. “I worked with Helen at Mainline Coop she was loved by all our customers; she was always smiling and happy. Helen knew sign language and used it to help some of our deaf customers. Their hands just a going and laughing it was great to watch them.” Johanna Coates
“ Helen was one of the most thoughtful and kind persons I know. Her door was always open.” Jackie Bodie
Helen was born November 23, 1936 on a farm near Stenan, Sask. She was the youngest of nine children raised with love and guidance by her Ukrainian immigrant parents.
Learning from example and including her innate hard work, is how she approached life.
One of my favourite memories shared by my mother when she was a young child continues to make me smile. This particular day after milking the cows her father decided to show Helen how to make ice cream. Eagerly awaiting with big-eyes and appetite for this grand treat she guarded over the ice cream. However, she was called for dinner. After dinner she raced back but to her dismay the ice cream pail was completely empty. Innocently she entrusted their dog to protect the ice cream. Needless to say, that was never the case again. Ice cream was always one of her favourite treats and she always had it readily available to share with all her grandchildren. She loved to cook and was exceptional at it! If not directly invited to our home for dinner the town of Salmon Arm savoured her solely and individually homemade perogies made for Salmon Arm’s Smitty’s weekly buffets.
As a young adult she moved to Saskatoon to work. Eventually moving to Calgary where she met my father, Grant Porter her husband of 42 years until his passing in 2005. They had three children: Michelle the oldest, Coleman the youngest, and myself Leean in the middle.
In 1973, our family moved to Salmon Arm. With such surrounding beauty it was easy to see why my mom would never call any other place home!
I would like to encourage you all to pay it forward – as she always did! Do a good deed! “A random act of kindness” In memory of Helen Ella Porter 💕
Online condolences may be sent to Helen’s family through her obituary at fischersfuneralservices.com porter-ella-helen ❤️
We lived next door to The Porters in Calgary. Helen was a huge influence in my life. She was a mentor in my young life. She taught me to embroider and I stitched away happily all my moms pillow cases. She also taught me about baking and I still make her oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. Helen trusted me to babysit her children and I enjoyed them immensely. We recently reconnected and both my mom and I enjoyed her letters and cards stuffed with copies of jokes that made us laugh.
We are sorry for your loss. My your memories of your mom make you smile always.
So sorry for your loss. I have such fond memories of Helen (AKA Mrs. Popalinski) from way back when I was a kid. Helen was always warm, welcoming and she could always put a smile on my face. I remember her breakfast crepes with peanut butter and maple syrup. When I was 16, I had the good fortune of working with Helen in the Co-op Bakery. She was a great support and mentor who helped me do my job the right way. Throughout the years, we stayed in touch and I’ll never forget her great laugh and that twinkle in her eye. Sending our sincere condolences to the family.
So sorry to see you have lost a treasure. It was a pleasure to spend time with both your parents, they were a very happy couple, always laughing, and sometimes at each other!
I was a classmate of Coleman, then later a cashier at the Coop when Helen was in the Bakery. She was a beautiful lady who was kind and gracious to all. I rermember her laugh and the twinkle in her eye when she smiled. She was a very reassuring adult to work alongside… an excellent role model. I am so sorry for your loss. Leann… the obituary you have written is a beautiful tribute to your Mom. I remember your Family well.
I haven’t seen your mom for many many years. My memories of her are that she was kind and gentle with a beautiful soul (and an amazing cook!). There was always room for more around the table. I’m so sorry for your loss. Thinking of all of you during this difficult time.
Our condolences Coleman, Michele and Leanne. Your mother was a very special wife, mother and friend. She was so proud of all of you. When ever we met we always shared our “kids” stories. Our son spent a fair bit of time with Coleman and family and always came home asking why I didn’t cook like Mrs. Porter.
We pray your memories will see you through this sad time. Sending you all big virtual hugs!
Dean and Louenna Biggs
My sincere condolences to Leean, Cody and family. I had the pleasure of meeting your mother/grandmother. She was so warm and welcoming to me and had me laughing. May the treasured memories of your beloved mom be of comfort.
With Sympathy,
Carrie
Thank you for Sharing your amazing memories of mom. It is heart warming and so appreciated ❤️
I worked with Helen at Mainline Coop she worked in the meat department and was loved by all our customers, she was always smiling and happy . Helen knew sign language and used it to help some of our customers who were deaf and could not talk their hands just a going and laughing it was great to watch them . Heaven has gained a angel.Rest in Peace my friend .
Helen was one of the most thoughtful and kind persons I know.Her door was always open to her friends and we never lost touch with one another.We have lost a dear friend and she will be sadly missed
Our sincere condolences to the family!