Helen May (Gage) Murray

Longtime Ponoka resident Helen May Murray, aged 96, passed peacefully at Northcott Care Centre on Friday, July 30, 2021. She was predeceased by her husband James; sisters Dorothy and Muriel; and brother Martin. She leaves to mourn her daughters, Connie (Casey) Vandervies and Lily (Michael) Weiler; brother Richard (Deanna) Gage; as well as several nieces and nephews, extended family and many friends.

Helen was proud grandma to Connie and Casey's children Jeff (Ashley) Vandervies and Kelly Vandervies; and Lily's children Ron (Cindy) Mitchell, Joanne (Leroy Ramsay) Mitchell, Chris (Louise) Mitchell and Angeline (late Ron) Wisk; as well as 11 great-grandchildren including Carter James Vandervies who was the light of GG’s life. She was also blessed with 7 great-great-grandchildren.

Helen was born in Vancouver on September 10, 1924 to George and Gladys (nee Martin) Gage. The family farmed in Craigmyle area and George was an agent for Alberta Wheat Pool until the ongoing drought conditions forced a move first to Calgary, then to Edmonton. In 1941 they relocated to Ponoka where Helen worked for her father in his feed mill and hatchery until her marriage to James Denholm Murray in Ponoka on September 23, 1952. They moved to Millet until 1956 when they returned home to Ponoka. Helen and Jim were active Legion members, taking part in many activities and bus trips with the Over 65 group. Helen was also well known for her skill as a cribbage player and love of the game. She was still skunking us all until her last days. Helen had an amazing memory and was the family historian, never forgetting a birthday, anniversary, address, or telephone number.

The family will be forever grateful to the many people who contributed greatly to Helen’s longevity and quality of life over the years, most especially Barb and Dale Olsen who were always there to lend a hand and provide support when family couldn’t be there. Rimoka Lodge provided her with a safe and welcoming home for 5 years and Northcott Care Centre provided comfort and dignity in her final days. Cremation has taken place.

To honor Helen’s wish for a 97th birthday party, a Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00-4:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 18, 2021 at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #66, Ponoka (3911 Highway 2A). In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations in Helen’s name are gratefully accepted to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #66, or to any charity of your choice.

While we look forward to sharing memories with Helen’s friends, the family respectfully requests that attendance be limited to those who are fully vaccinated.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Helen May (Gage) Murray, please visit our floral store.