Mary Helyar

Mary L. Helyar (MacCallum), age 76, passed away on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at the Gull Lake Special Care Centre, Gull Lake, SK. Mary L. Helyar was born on February 16, 1948, in Calgary, AB to Dorothy & Bill MacCallum. Mary’s early years revolved around her father’s Royal Canadian Air Force career. The family frequently relocated, always returning to Shellbrook between postings. From Calgary, they moved to Fort Nelson, then to Ottawa, before being posted in England. Shortly after arriving in England, Mary and her brother Eric were involved in a devastating accident that claimed Eric’s life. Later that same night, the family’s home was lost to a fire. They briefly returned to Shellbrook after the 3-year posting just before Bill was posted in Moose Jaw, where the family lived for 10 years. Eventually, they settled in Saskatoon, where Bill transitioned from the Air Force to work as a mechanic for Co-op. Mary’s life took a beautiful turn when she met Jim Helyar on a train in B.C. where Mary was travelling on business for the chiropractic clinic she worked for.

After a few years of courtship, they married on November 8, 1969, beginning a life filled with love and adventure. Together, they lived across Canada, including Saskatoon, Thompson, Melfort, Fernie, Silver Birch Hills, and spent 35 years in Yellowknife. Later, they moved to Grande Cache, returned to Yellowknife, and eventually settled in Gull Lake. Mary & Jim were blessed with two children, Valorie and Maurice. Mary’s love for her family was limitless and unwavering. She actively supported her children and grandchildren in hockey, served as a leader in Brownies and Girl Guides, and dedicated herself to St. John Ambulance. Mary will be remembered for her generous spirit, always willing to help others. Her favourite colour was blue, and she found joy in the simple beauty of hummingbirds. Travelling with Jim was one of her greatest pleasures, and together they created lasting memories on adventures across Canada, the USA, the Caribbean, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Europe, and Great Britain.

An angel in every sense, Mary will be lovingly missed and forever cherished in the hearts of her family and friends. We love you forever and ever, never to be forgotten. Mary leaves to treasure her memory her loving husband of 55 years, James Helyar; her devoted family, her daughter, Valorie Kenny (Ronnie) – granddaughters, Shandelle Opinko (Andrew), Shelby-Lyn (Michael), and great-grandchildren, James, Ellianna, Jack, and Myla; her son, Maurice Helyar (Kerry) – grandchildren, Braden, Brianna, Brooklyn, and Bryson; her brother, Randy MacCallum (Jennie) – nephews, Brad (and family), Michael (and family), and niece, Tracey (Jody); and by her many cherished extended family members.

She was predeceased by her beloved parents, Dorothy & Bill MacCallum; her brother, Eric; and by a sister-in-law, Gayle MacCallum. May you find peace, Mary, Mom, Grammy, Sister, & Aunt. You are forever in our hearts.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the Gull Lake Special Care Centre for their exceptional care and compassion

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