Helen Doris Erickson

ERICKSON It is with full hearts that we announce the passing of HELEN DORIS ERICKSON of Lethbridge on September 4, 2013 of causes incident to age. She was in her 89th year at the time of her death. Doris is survived by her husband Reed, with whom she recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary; her sister, Phyllis Krucik; four children and their spouses, Brian & Karen Erickson, Jan & Mark Mason, Val & Keith Walker and Ross & Lisa Erickson; 14 grandchildren; and 21 great grandchildren, as well as numerous other extended family. She was born in 1925 to Eva & Leonard Coombe in a small log home on the family homestead near Whitney Lake in northeastern Alberta, leaving home after completing 8th grade so she could complete high school in Heinsberg, then Elkpoint and finally St. Paul, Alberta. She was trained as a Registered Nurse at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton, and recruited after graduation in 1947 to work as an RN in Raymond at the then Raymond General Hospital. It was in Raymond where she first met her husband-to-be, marrying in 1948. She and her new family settled in Lethbridge in 1952 when Reed began teaching for the Lethbridge School District. Doris is known for her love of and pride in her immediate and extended family. She was always a strength, support and real partner to her husband and will be deeply missed while they are apart. As a mother she was involved in every activity and adventure of each of her four active children and found it particularly rewarding to continue that role with them and her grandchildren as that was possible. All of them knew of her high expectations and enjoyed the support, warmth and love that accompanied every good effort, activity and endeavor. She was an individual who understood what it was to work, but also how to relax and enjoy. She had a wonderful sense of humor, even when the joke was on her. Although not affiliated with formal religion as a young person, Doris was well acquainted with the Bible and the teachings of Jesus Christ and, after marrying Reed, became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Over her lifetime she continued in active membership, serving in numerous responsible positions and assignments in the Church including, most recently, service with Reed of a full-time mission at the Manila Philippines Temple and then, subsequently, at the Cardston Alberta Temple. Before her passing, she had completed a comprehensive oral and written personal history for her family's enjoyment and education. On reviewing that history it seems remarkable that someone who began life with so little has left it having amounted to so much to so many. Friends may meet with the family on Sunday, September 8, 2013 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at CHRISTENSEN SALMON GENERATIONS FUNERAL HOME, 703 - 13 Street North and again on Monday, September 9, 2013 from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the service at the church. The Funeral Service will be held on Monday, September 9, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, LETHBRIDGE ALBERTA STAKE CENTRE, 2410 - 28 Street South with Bishop Aaron Bridge officiating. Interment to follow in the Temple Hill Cemetery, Raymond.

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