Obituary of Helen Agnes Fern Heidecker

Forever Cherished

Helen Agnes Fern Heidecker

January 15, 1942 ~ February 16, 2025

Helen, beloved wife of Ronald Heidecker of Coronation, passed away after a lengthy illness at Coronation Long Term Care on February 16, 2025, at the age of 83 years.

Helen was born in Stettler, Alberta to Mel & Margaret Johnstone. During her first few years of school, Helen and her brother Roy rode a horse to Docendo School. She completed the remainder of her schooling at Waverly School.

At an early age, Helen expressed her passion for healthcare by working at the Stettler Hospital and saving money to take her Certified Nursing Aide course. She completed her training in January 1963 and went on to work in Fort McLeod and Drumheller hospitals. Her third position brought her to Coronation Hospital, where she spent the remainder of her career. Helen loved the maternity ward and shared many stories of the babies she cared for over the years. As a new nurse in town, Helen lived in the hospital residence, a great place to live where she made many lifelong friends.

In 1967, a special patient was admitted to the hospital that caught Helen’s eye. Helen took great care to ensure Ron’s finger healed just right. A few drive-in shows later, their love was sealed. The couple were married on November 16, 1968. Helen and Ron were blessed with three boys, Melvin in 1969, Brent in 1971, and Dennis in 1975.

Helen continued to work at the hospital while maintaining a huge garden, raising chickens, mothering baby calves, and supporting the boys in their sporting, Scout, and 4-H activities. No summer would be complete without annual camping trips to Moose Lake and Capt. Ayre, a tradition which continued for more than forty years. Helen was very active in the community, being a proud member of the Federal Friendship Club and the Golden Age Club.

Faith was very important to Helen. She attended the Evangelical Free Church regularly, as well as participating in bible study and teaching Sunday School.

In 1999, Helen and Ron moved from the farm to their dream home in Coronation. She could be found sweeping and vacuuming every piece of dust that was made daily during the construction process.

In recent years, Helen honed her quilting skills by making special quilts for all her grandchildren. Family and friends gained many pounds eating homemade bread, donuts, pies, baking, and noodles that Helen made. Helen’s grandkids could often be seen by her side helping to prepare these delicious treats. Group events with friends and family often included cutthroat card games such as thirty-one, five-hundred, and tens.

Travel provided Helen & Ron with many great adventures. They were able to enjoy cruises, bus tours, and beach time across the globe. Special memories and close friends were made during their eight seasons in Casa Grande, Arizona.

The purple martins that came to Helen & Ron’s birdhouses entertained her with their swooping in and out. The birds knew Helen’s voice and would come when she called.

Family was Helen’s greatest joy. She eagerly welcomed her three daughters-in-law to balance out the male domination in her home. Helen especially loved her grandkids. She loved cuddling the babies and cheering on each grandchild at their sporting and school events.

Helen is survived by her husband Ron; sons Melvin (Sharon), Brent (Cindy) and Dennis (Cristina); grandchildren: Linden (Madison), Keir, Abby (Barry), Dylan, Kurt, Jillian, Kaitlyn and Anthony; great-grandchild Colby; sister Wanita Gauthier; brothers-in-law Brian (Donna) and Jim (Valerie); her honorary daughter Brenda (Dale) and grandchildren: Ally (Lane), Nick and Joe; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Helen is predeceased by her parents Mel & Margaret; parents-in-law Art & Muriel; brothers James & Roy (Merna); brothers-in-law David Heidecker and David Gauthier; sister-in-law Gail Heidecker; as well as many other special family members.

Visitation ~ Sunday, February 23, 2025 ~ 10:00 a.m. ~ 12:00 P.M.

Parkview Funeral Chapels & Crematorium, Coronation, Alberta

Private Family Interment before Funeral Service at

the Haneyville Cemetery

Funeral Service

Sunday, February 23, 2025 at 2:00 P.M.

Zinger Music Barn

(36421 SH 872 - 2.5 miles north of Coronation on SH 872 between Twp Rd 364 and 370)

Memorial Donations can be made in memory of Helen to the Evangelical Free Church, Coronation Hospital Foundation or Coronation Handi-Bus Society.