PINDER
Helen (nee Kennedy). Helen Pinder, adored mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed away on Tuesday, August 12, 2014 at the Stettler Hospital at the age of 89 years. Helen was born on August 22, 1924, in Stettler, AB where her father, Archie Kennedy, was the town doctor. Helen grew up in Stettler where she met her husband Roy, the son of the local United Church Minister. Helen and Roy were married on May 5, 1944 and went to Glace Bay, NS, where Roy was stationed during World War II. After returning to Stettler, Helen and Roy began to raise their family. Following a brief time in Edmonton, Helen and Roy settled in Calgary, where they raised their four children. With her children grown, Helen entered the workforce, serving as the secretary to the Calgary Chief of Police. Helen was an avid reader, writer and crossword puzzler. Her witty, informative and frequent letters brought all the members of her family closer, and Helen was just as at home on email and Skype as she was on her typewriter. Helen took up swimming in her seventies, becoming a dedicated deep-water exerciser and stylish member of the pool community. After the death of her husband, Roy, Helen returned to her hometown of Stettler, where she lived until her death.
Helen was a dedicated grandmother and great grandmother, and was beloved by all of those who came to know her. Awarded the Governor General's award in Grade 9, Helen had a keen intellect that was only surpassed by her kindness and compassion for her family and friends. Sophisticated, with a delightful sense of humour and sense of style, Helen excelled as family matriarch and will be greatly missed by her four children, R. Scott Pinder (Michelle), Blair W. Pinder (Lynn), Cheryl H. Pinder (Bill Stilwell) and Neil K. Pinder (Joanne); her grandchildren Ryan, Michael (Megan), Stephen (Leslie), Melissa (Tim), Claire, Katherine (Joe), Sylvie (Brandy), Anne (Levi) and great grandchildren Taylor, Zachary, Rayden, Will, Mya, Jacob, and Rosie. Helen was predeceased by her parents, Dr. Archie E. and Helen Kennedy, her brother Scott Kennedy, and her beloved husband Roy Pinder.
At Helen's request, there will be no formal service. An open house will be held at a later date in Calgary. In lieu of flowers, Helen asked that donations be made to Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), c/o Stettler Funeral Home & Crematorium, Box 1780, Stettler, Alberta T0C 2L0, 403-742-3422, who have been entrusted with the care and arrangements.