Obituary of Helen Bertha Fountain

Helena Albertina (Lamontagne) Fountain Helen was the third eldest child of seven living children born to Oliver and Amanda (Chenier) Lamontagne in Duck Lake, SK on Feb. 15, 1918. She married Harry Coleman Fountain on Sept. 29, 1940, and they were blessed with 5 children: George, Ronald, Irene, Raymond and Eileen; 19 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. Helen passed away peacefully in the Our Lady of the Rosary Hospital Extended Care in Castor at the age of 93. Helen lived most of her life in or around the Dodsland, SK area. As a young girl growing up on a farm she had many chores: milking cows, gardening and helping in the house. They had to walk 3 miles to get to Red Deer Hill School and her brothers used to love to scare her enroute as it was very dark and lots of snow in the winter. Helen dreaded those journeys to school. She quit school at a young age to help with the farm and family. At about 15 or so she and a friend went to Saskatoon where she worked in the hospital. She later moved back to the Dodsland area where she worked for Hooper’s farm and then Fountain’s farm as housekeeper. While working for the Fountains Helen met and married Harry Fountain. They farmed for a few years and then moved into the village of Dodsland. Helen stayed at home to raise the family and Harry worked in construction and various other jobs. Helen was widowed when her husband passed away in 1975. Helen continued to live in Dodsland until 2008 when she moved to Castor, AB to live in the manor, then the Paintearth Lodge and finally the Extended Care at Our Lady of the Rosary Hospital. Helen loved to watch programs on the television. I'm sure we all remember her watching "Another World." "That damn Rachel" hey Grandma!! Helen had many interests, hobbies and crafts. She enjoyed knitting, artex, sewing, gardening, cooking and curling. She was very proud to have been part of a curling team in Dodsland that laid an 8th ender! Helen grew the most beautiful lilacs and the tastiest strawberries. Knitting was her passion and I'm sure we all still have a cushion, vest, afghan or dishcloth to remember her always. Thanks Grandma. Helen made the most delicious homemade soups and her bread was perfect. She was very proud of her jelly rolls as she made the best. Helen loved her coffee and sweets. Saturday evening bingo and Sunday afternoon card parties with the ladies were weekend rituals. Helen loved her many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchild. She enjoyed visiting and spending Christmas and holidays with her family. Helen was a dear mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, niece and friend. Helen was predeceased by her husband Harry Fountain in 1975, parents: Oliver and Amanda Lamontagne, in-laws: William and Elizabeth Fountain, brothers: 3 year old Tom Lamontagne, Leon (Filo) Lamontagne, John Lamontagne, and Roger Lamontagne, sisters: Jennette Lamontagne infant twin to John, Laura (Art) Gunson, brothers-in-law: Robert Sweeney and George Lavoie. Helen is survived by her children: George (Sharon) Patenaude - Rosetown, SK, Ronald (Elaine) Fountain - Kelowna, BC, Irene Shaw - Castor, AB, Raymond (Marion) Fountain - Grimsby, ON, Eileen McLeod - Lampman, SK; 19 grandchildren, 42 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild, numerous nieces and nephews; Theresa Lavoie (sister), Lillian Sweeney (sister), Mary Pas (sister-in-law); she was loved dearly and will be sadly missed. Private funeral services were held with Father Joselito Cantal officiating. Great granddaughters Meagan and Nicole Hewitt sang Amazing Grace and several of the family’s favorite musical selections were played. Helen was taken to Dodsland Cemetery for a graveside service; and the family gathered at the Lion’s Club in Dodsland, for a time of fellowship and a luncheon.