Cecile June Hellmer

Cecile June Hellmer was born June 2, 1941 to Millie and Louis Gongal in Blairmore, Alberta. The family later moved to a farm in the Duchess area where Cecile attended school until she married Marven Hellmer on September 1, 1956. The couple ran a mixed farm near Tilley and later became dairy farmers. They were blessed with five children; Richard, Katherine, Kevin, Randy and in 1978 Kimberley joined the family. Cecile was an active member of Saint Jude’s Catholic Church, where she led the choir for many years, taught Catechism and served as President of Saint Jude’s Alter Society. After selling the dairy she took correspondence courses to upgrade her education and began a job as a teaching assistant at the Tilley school. Cecile eventually transferred to Holy Academy in Brooks, working as a teaching assistant and librarian until her retirement. Marven passed away in 2007 after a lengthy illness and in 2009 Cecile sold the farm and moved to Brooks. She enjoyed retirement by travelling to various countries in Europe, Israel, Cuba, and Hawaii. Cecile spent many hours volunteering at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church helping out in the office, knitting prayer shawls and chemo hats for cancer patients and singing in St. Mary’s Funeral Choir. Her goal for every day was to find and share something humorous or to marvel at some beauty of nature. She loved to go camping, fishing and attending Brooks Bandits hockey games. She is survived by her children; Rick (Sheila), Kathy (Curtis), Kevin, Randy (Trish), Kim (Doug); grandchildren, Ryan, Tyler (Jackie), Jason (Neha), Amanda (Jarrod) and Myia; great grandchildren, Corbin and Mason; brother Carl (Wendy) Gongal and numerous nieces and nephews. She’s also survived by her loving partner, Gordon Olsen and his family. A family graveside service will be held at Brooks Cemetery.

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