Obituary of Helen Adele Hrdlicka

Helen Adele Hrdlicka

(April 6, 1934 - September 20, 2018)

Helen was born in San Bernadino California, the third of four children of Walter and Nellie Curtis.  The family lived on an orchard with extended family nearby.  Walter farmed and when Nellie died from surgical complications, Helen was only 16 years old.  Madelyn, as the older sister raised Helen along with her younger sister Judy; Donald her brother being independent by then.  Several moves later she graduated with a B.A. in Sociology and Psychology in 1957 from college in Spokane, Washington. 

She met Joseph Hrdlicka Jr. at church where sparks flew and the cross-border romance began.  He was in Veterinary school in Guelph, Ontario at the time.  They married in ’59 and moved to Daysland in ’61 with their first son - Brent and began the Veterinary Practice. Helen was his Girl Friday in addition to her domestic responsibilities. The family grew with the addition of two daughters and another son. 

Helen volunteered for the Daysland Auxiliary Hospital, in many capacities at the Daysland Alliance Church and as a hockey Mom for both sons.  She also worked at the local grocery store. 
She loved to travel finding her way to Europe, Hawaii, Barbados, Australia, Peru, Israel, St. Thomas and back to California several times.  

She is fondly remembered by her children Brent (Audrey), Barbara (Eldon), Jane (Grant), Alan (Sheri); her grandchildren Curtis (Janelle), Danielle (Brad), Elyse (Cole), Ileana, Adam, Gabriela (Jesse), Cassandra, Mikayla, Benjamin, Austin, Jenna, Justin; and greatgrandchildren Sawyer, Chesney, Cooper, Miley, Bentley and Avery. She was predeceased by her husband Dr. Joseph Hrdlicka.

A Celebration of Life was held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 5, 2018 from the Daysland Alliance Church with Grant Sauer officiating. Inurnment has taken place in the Daysland Cemetery.

If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions in Helen's memory may be made to University of Alberta Anatomical Gifts Program, or to A.B.W.E c/o Steven Frerichs (PO Box 8585 | Harrisburg, PA 17105).