It is with great sadness that the family of Helen Alivia Kuhn announce her peaceful passing on May 18, 2020 at Pineview Terrace Care Home in Prince Albert, at the age of 85 years.

Mom was born in Prince Albert to Lewis and Evelyn Yockey (nee Bruce) on January 8, 1935 and spent her childhood in the Lily Plain area with 8 siblings and also many cousins nearby.  She attended West Central School. 

After school, Mom was hired by Hugh and Marion Duncan of the Red Deer Hill area to help with housework and childcare.  This was a special time for mom, as she not only met her future husband, Joe Kuhn, who lived in the area, but she also developed a special bond with the Duncan family who have remained close to Mom and all of our family and hold a very special place in our hearts.

Mom also worked at the TB sanatorium, in the kitchen prior to getting married October 16, 1956 at St Alban’s Cathedral.

Mom and Dad settled into the farming community in Red Deer Hill and became devoted and loving parents to four children - Dale, Brian, Joanne and Elona.

Mom was the typical farm wife of the era- growing a big garden, raising chickens, milking cows, hauling bales and of course cooking hot meals and delivering them to the field during harvest.  She especially enjoyed picking berries of any kind and creating lovely jams and delicious desserts, which she served in generous portions.

As busy as Mom was, she always found time to spend with her children and we always knew we were loved and have many happy memories growing up on the farm.  She was always supportive of any activities we were involved in, such as track and field, hockey, baseball or 4-H.  If there was a bake sale or canteen or any event needing a volunteer, Mom was there. 

Her love and devotion extended to her grandchildren and great grandchildren as well.  She spent as much time as possible with them and they also have wonderful memories of playing cards or board games, snuggling on her lap and many sleepovers at the farm. 

Unfortunately, Mom began to develop dementia and eventually required more care than could be managed at home with Dad.  She moved to Herb Basset Home in 2012 and then to Pineview Care Home.  We will forever be grateful to the staff at these homes that cared for Mom and also extended their caring and kindness to Dad and us as well.  You became Moms’ family too and we will miss you.

Helen is survived by: 

Her husband Joe

Her children and their families:

Dale (Charlotte)-  Amy Kuhn- Levi, Madi and Garver;    Amanda Kuhn (Kenny Plut)- Boe, Tien and Adalize;    Melissa Bates (Cam)- Benson and Rylan.

Brian (Menky)

Joanne Brydges Bowen (Darryl)- Jeffrey Brydges (Natalie Ksyniuk)- Erica;   Sara Stahl (Tyler)- Teagan

Elona Matheis (Doug)- Jacob Matheis;   Nicole Matheis;   Luke Matheis (Kassandra Gilchuk)

Her brother- Art Yockey (Linda Fidler)

In laws- Doreen Yockey, Doug Henrikson, Louis Kuhn, Esther MacDonald, Eddie Kuhn (June)

Numerous nieces and nephews; the Duncan family (Cameron, Jim, Gary, Dell, Ralph, Lois and their families), and dear friend Ruth James.

 

She was predeceased by:

Her parents- Lewis and Evelyn Yockey

Grandson- Chad Kuhn

Siblings and spouses- Edward Yockey (Myrtle); Orville Yockey (Marie); Marion Nyberg (Martin); Lillian Halliday (Albert); Lula Henrikson; Raymond Yockey.

Parents in law- Alex and Ethel Kuhn (nee Duska)

In laws- Alex and Irene Kuhn; Julie Kuhn; Ethel and Leo Royer and Harold MacDonald.

Nieces and nephews- Walter Nyberg, Louis Halliday, Karen Halliday, Bobby Harrison, Carol Harrison, Doug MacDonald and Roy Kuhn.

A private family Graveside Service was held at Memorial Gardens.  A Memorial Gathering will be planned at a later date.

Thank you to Dr G Surkan and the staff at Pineview Terrace Care Home.

Thank you to Val Bodnaryk for creating a beautiful tribute and graveside service for our family.

Thank you to Lorne Adams and Beaulac Funeral Home.

Memorial donations in memory of Helen may be made to Pineview Terrace Care Home, 1200a 25th Street West (Dr. O.K. Hjertaas Drive), Prince Albert, SK S6V 4B2.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home, Lorne Adams Funeral Director, Prince Albert, SK 306-763-3322.