Obituary of Helen Maria Dudley

Helen Maria (Person) Dudley, aged 77, resident of Grande Prairie, Alberta, formerly of Pouce Coupe, British Columbia and Thunder Bay, Ontario, passed away from pneumonia December 27, 2014 at the Queen Elizabeth II Hospital in Grande Prairie, Alberta. Helen was born January 22, 1937 in Port Arthur, Ontario to Hilmer and Laila (Antonen) Person. Robert (Bob) was her older brother and Marlene was her younger sister. Helen grew up in Mackenzie Station, Ontario. In 1954, she moved to Marathon, Ontario, attended King's Business College and worked as a waitress. After graduation, Helen went to work for the Ontario Provincial Police in Nipigon, Ontario. While there, Helen met her future husband, Giles Dudley, an RCMP member. In 1955, Giles was transferred to Ottawa, Helen followed and worked for Bell Canada. On November 10, 1956, Helen and Giles were married. Shortly after, Giles was transferred to Edmonton. In August, 1958 Theresa was born and the following August Mark was born. In May, 1960 the family moved to Dawson Creek. John was born March, 1961 in Pouce Coupe. Shortly after moving, Helen went to work for the Chamber Of Commerce in Dawson Creek at the Tourist Information Centre. Helen then got a job with the BC Provincial Government working in the Land Department and then with Court Registry. She retired in 1997. Over the years, there were trips to Ontario to see family and friends. Helen and Giles took many trips throughout BC for the BC Winter Games. They explored Canada and the United States with family and friends. Helen went to Sweden in 1982 with her Mom to see her Dad's family. Helen also travelled with friends on cruises, seeing Mexico, England, Europe, and Hawaii. Helen loved life and enjoyed visiting family, friends, and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Helen was active with her church family, Red Hatters, Beta Sigma Phi, Roots Group, line dancing, and golfing. She loved to crochet, knit, sew, bake, do crafts, and share her creations with those around her. Helen loved to make cards, personalizing each one and signing them with a smiley face. Recently she took up painting and was looking forward to teaching her great grandchildren what she had learned. In March 2010, Helen was diagnosed with colon cancer and the same week, Giles passed away. The next two years were back and forth to Edmonton for treatments and surgeries, sometimes staying with Mark. In 2013, Helen moved to Grande Prairie to be close to family. In the spring of 2014, Helen was given a clean bill of health. She was cancer free. Mom's life was reflected in these quotes she lived by: "Life is a gift and today is a present from God. Have faith, God will guide your way. Enjoy life to the fullest. Friends are a phone call away. Dance like no one is watching. Travel and see the world. Hugs are free. Memories keep us from losing those we love." Helen was predeceased by her parents Hilmer and Laila Person, and by her husband Giles Dudley. Helen was mother to Theresa (Alvin) Jorgensen, Mark (Dianne) Dudley, and John (Joan) Dudley; grandmother to Aaron (Jeanine) Jorgensen, CheriLynne (Ryan) Chapman, Tyler Dudley, Kelsie Dudley, Sierra Head, and Tristan Dudley; great grandmother to Dreah, Andon, and Makinley Jorgensen, Gabrielle, Mya, and Jacobe Chapman, and Isabelle Bourgue; sister to Robert (Simone) Person, and Marlene (Ed) Mitchell; sister-in-law to Gail Girbav; aunt to numerous nieces and nephews; and a friend to many. Service 2:00 pm Friday, January 2, 2015 Forbes Presbyterian Church 9635 - 76 Avenue GRANDE PRAIRIE, Alberta, Canada