Shirley Patricia Helmig (nee Webb)
February 12, 1933 - April 09, 2025
With great sadness and love we announce the passing of Shirley Helmig on Wednesday April 09, 2025, at the age of 92, at the Foothills Hospital in Calgary, Alberta surrounded by her family. She is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Jody (Stan) and Julie (Joe); grandchildren Justin (Morgan), Jenna (Ben) and Jordan; Joe’s daughter Dallas; great-grandchildren Ainsley, Aleah, Addison and Bradley.
She was predeceased by her husband Lorne in 2007; her parents Robbie and Barbara Webb.
Shirley was born and raised in Cochrane, Alberta and lived on the same street for nearly all her life. She married Lorne on September 23,1954 at the United Church in Cochrane. They spent many hours helping to build and finish their home next door to her parents. Shirley loved her cozy home tucked up against the big hill and was able to stay there right up until her passing. She took great pleasure in watching the many deer, robins and squirrels that visited her yard. She was also fascinated by the ever-changing activities on her street.
Shirley loved growing up in Cochrane. She was very athletic and loved running, playing baseball, climbing (be it a fence or a tree), her parents often said, “there wasn’t a fence that could keep Shirley in”. She also loved to skate at the outdoor rink, swim at the old Jumping Pound swimming hole and attend all the local community dances.
Mom’s life revolved around her family and she always put them ahead of herself. She was kind, generous and selfless. Our summers were spent camping and boating with family and friends as we travelled throughout Alberta, BC and Idaho. In the early 1980’s we traded in our holiday trailer for a mobile home on Windermere Lake, BC. We loved spending our summers at “The Lake” as did her grandchildren. Many winter weekends were spent snowmobiling and getaways to Radium Hot Springs, BC. Mom was a wonderful cook and many cherished memories were made at family gatherings at her house, out camping and at The Lake. Mom had a great sense of humour, her sons-in-law loved to tease her which always made her laugh. She had a wonderful group of friends many of which were from her childhood and lasted the rest of her life.
Her grandchildren fondly remember how Grandma Shirley was so happy and fun. She would dance and play with them by the hour with never-ending patience. She hosted many sleepovers and cooked their favourite foods. She loved going to their events whether it was a Christmas concert, dance recital or hockey game. She also spent many hours with them at playgrounds and at the Hot Springs pools.
The family is very grateful for the care and support from the Foothills Hospital Emergency Department and Unit 36, the AHS Cochrane Homecare team and the Rocky View Private Health Care team. Also, a very special thank you to her family physician, Dr. Maharaj.
Shirley’s zest for life and infectious laugh touched the hearts of all who knew her and she will be missed dearly. Mom, you will be forever loved, forever missed, and forever in our hearts.
A celebration of Shirley’s life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to a cause close to your heart.
Condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.cochranecountryfuneral.co
