Obituary of Helen Schipper

Mrs. Helen Schipper of Camrose, formerly of Drayton Valley passed away on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at the age of 99 years. Helen Schipper was born Helen Frances Galenza on May 22, 1914 in Bittern Lake, Alberta. Her parents, John and Barbara Galenza immigrated from Ostrov, Poland. It is a pioneer story. Though married in Ostrov, Helen's dad, John, came to Canada first to obtain a homestead and build a place to live. Barbara followed and together they raised a large family of nine boys and two girls. Helen's sister, Mary, was the oldest, followed by Peter, Joe, Frank, Carl, Albert, Henry, Helen, Victor, Stanley and Ted. All Helen's siblings predeceased her. Helen met her husband of 65 years, Fred Reiner Schipper at a ball game in New Serepta in 1935. Mom was the catcher for the Bluebirds, an all female ball team. Rumour has it that Fred was a spectator and hollered, "The catcher's rattled!" Mom stood up and hollered back, "You look rattled yourself!" They were married November 8, 1937. Fred predeceased Helen on May 24, 2002 at the age of 90. Helen worked as a cook in her early years of marriage. She was a skilled and accomplished homemaker being able to produce most things needed for a healthy life. Helen raised two children, Richard, born 1941 and Barbara, born 1946. To her credit, Richard, became a successful Electrical Designer in the Petrochemical Industry, and Barbara, a creative school teacher and artist. When the children left home, Helen made coffee for the gang at Pembina Pipe Line, Fred's long standing employer, in Drayton Valley for 15 years. Helen and Fred traveled and visited friends and relatives in Germany and Mexico. Helen's favourite trips were to Las Vegas, Reno and to Bingos in neighbouring towns. When Fred retired from working in the oil industry, they moved to Camrose where they reacquainted with their extended Galenza family. Helen spent her last years at Pine and Aspen Cottages, part of the Bethany Group, in Camrose. The family would like to offer their heartfelt thanks, and commend the staff for their concerned and compassionate care for her in her last years. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 at 11:00am from St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church ( 5010- 48a Ave.) in Camrose, Ab. with Rev. Larry Pederson as celebrant. Interment has taken place in the Camrose Cemetery. If friends so desire memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to The Canadian Diabetes Association, The C.N.I.B., or to a charity of your choice.