Helen May Keillor passed away Nov 26th, 2021 in Kamloops BC, at the age of 100.
She was born in Tofield, AB May 30th,1921, the third of 4 children. After high school, she completed her teacher training in Edmonton in 1942 and accepted her first teaching job at Bluehawk School, just north of Brownvale. The salary was, in her words, “the princely sum of $70 a month”, more than she had ever had in her life. “But,” she added, “I also had to clean the school, haul the water, and keep the fires going through the middle of winter, along with teaching grades 1 through 8.” Though no stranger to adversity, she found this quite a challenging adventure.
In 1944, Helen married local farmer Pete (never known as Delmar) Keillor, and left teaching to start a family. Bonnie was born January 1946, followed by Rick in September of 1950.
In 1955, Helen returned to teaching in Brownvale AB, then moved to Berwyn school in 1957. Grades 4,5 & 6 were her specialty for the rest of her career, until she retired in 1977. Over those years, “Mrs. Keillor” influenced the lives of many hundreds of children.
Helen always loved to travel and experience new places near and far. She was an avid reader and enjoyed literature and music. During retirement in Berwyn, she enjoyed entertaining family and friends, playing cards and many a game of Scrabble. In 2012, Helen and Pete moved to a Seniors home in Kamloops, close to daughter Bonnie.
Predeceased by husband Pete in 2017, Helen is survived by daughter Bonnie (Everett) Sokoloski, son Rick (Trudi) Keillor, grandchildren Sandra and Darren (Katja) Sokoloski, Petersenn (Caitlin) and Heidi (Matt) Keillor, and great grandchildren Mikaela and Ryan Sokoloski.
Ever a private person, Helen requested no funeral and with her ashes to be placed in her family plot in Bentley. A small part of her will also return to rest with Pete on “Keillor Mountain,” on the farm where she spent much of her life.
When I come to the end of the road and the sun has set for me,
I want no fuss in a gloom filled room.
Why cry for a soul set free.
Miss me a little, but not too long,
and not with her head bowed low.
Remember the love and the good times shared,
Miss me but let me go!
For this is a journey we all must take, and all must go alone.
It’s all a part for the Master’s plan
A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sad at heart go to friends we know
Bury your sorrow in doing good deeds,
Miss me a little but let me go!
Offer Condolence for the family of Helen May Keillor 1921 – 2021
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Helen May Keillor 1921 –..
Death notice for the town of: Kamloops, Province: Colombie britanique