Obituary of Helene Heier

In Loving Memory

Helene Heier

December 8, 1933 ~ January 9, 2024

In loving memory of Helene Heier (Oma) of Gadsby, AB who passed away at her farm on January 9, 2024 at the age of 90 years.

Helene Heier (nee Fech) was born on December 8, 1933, in Wolfsried, Germany (modern Turza Wilcza, Poland), to parents Emil and Olga Fech. Helene’s journey through life was marked by resilience, compassion, and a profound commitment to family and community. She became known to many as Oma in her later life.

Born into a farming family, Helene faced the challenges of wartime pressures, forcing them to flee to Germany in 1945. In the heart of the winter, Helene and her family traveled with hundreds of others in the cavalcade of horse drawn wagons. Oma recalled this period in her life with vivid detail, how families would support each other and would often share food and supplies. They faced many hardships as they endured a 9-week journey to Germany.

In 1951, at the age of 17, Helene and her family embarked on a new chapter, immigrating to Canada aboard the MS Nelly. She enjoyed exploring all the areas of the ship and would help care for those who were sick, cook, clean, do mending, receiving extra oranges for her family for her efforts. The family arrived in Halifax at Pier 21, then boarded a train for the journey across Canada to Raymond, Alberta. They worked for a sugar beet farm for one year before moving to Calgary.

Helene met her love Herbert Heier at church in Calgary and they were married on November 7, 1953.  Together, they raised a beautiful family of eight children, and Helene's caring spirit extended far beyond her own household. She became a pillar of her community, always ready to assist neighbors, whether it be caring for children, cutting hair, mending clothes, or offering whatever help was needed.

In 1967, Helene and Herbert embraced a new adventure, purchasing an old farmstead near Gadsby, Alberta. Their life as farmers unfolded with dedication and hard work - raising dairy cows and shipping cream, raising hogs and a few beef cattle, poultry, cultivating crops, and of course no one can forget the gardens she had. She could make anything grow, and gladly shared bounties with anyone needing extra.

The most important thing Oma grew was love. Her home was a safe haven for everyone, family and otherwise. She made a chocolate cake that could heal your sickness, coffee was always on, and she met you with a smile, every time. She was an integral part of her community.  Nothing can replace this amazing woman. Although we mourn deeply for her, she has left her legacy with us all, to continue her life of service, kindness, and love. Mom, Mama, Mutti, Oma, Gross Oma - we love and miss you dearly, and will carry you in our hearts forever.

Survived by her loving family, children Edelgart (Wayne) Vogel, Adolf Heier, Georg Heier, Konrad (Cheryl) Heier, Ingrid Creighton, (Hannah Heier); siblings Erich (Adele) Fech, Oscar Fech; grandchildren (20) Adam (Holly) Heier, Stephanie (Ben) Campbell, Charity Vogel, Agnieska (Manhin) Liu, Matthew Vogel, Ashley (Ryan) LaFontaine, Chantel (Ian) Wrigglesworth, Melissa (Mike) Lanteigne, Wylee (Terra) Heier, Katrena Heier, Michelle Creighton, Allison Heier, Joanna Heier, Suzanna Heier, Benjamin Heier, Felecia Heier, Nathan Heier, Joshua Creighton, Atira Heier, Jeffery Creighton, and many wonderful and loved great-grandchildren (17) as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many special friends.

Predeceased by parents Emil and Olga Fech, husband Herbert Heier, sons Werner Heier, Siegfried Heier, and Alfred Heier, brother Leo Fech, sister Martha Reiss, and infant sister Ursula (during the war).

Funeral Service

Monday, January 22, 2024 at 1:00 P.M.

St. Peter Lutheran Church, Stettler, Alberta

Memorial Donations may be made to the Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation or to St. Peter Lutheran Church Ladies.