Helen Mahonen of Nelson BC passed away on Dec 5, 2011 at Kootenay Lake Hospital at age 82. Helen was born in Brilliant BC on July 5, 1929 to Harry J Planden and Lucy Planden. Helen was predeceased by her mother and father; husband Louis Choquette; husband John Mahonen; and her 4 brothers George, Harry, Peter, and Nick. She is survived by and will be missed immensely by her daughter Jonnine; her son Nathan (Bobbi); grandsons Brian, John, and Chris; special niece Loretta Strukoff; and many other beloved family members and friends.
She will be remembered for the strength and generosity of her spirit. To her children and several lucky others she embodied true unconditional love. It took a lot to slow her down, and she handled a series of recent health issues with a grace and strength that has inspired many. She faced challenges head on, just dealt with whatever had to be done, and moved on. Her great sense of humour helped her take it all on.
Helen took some time off work to raise her children when they were younger, but otherwise she worked outside the home for most of her life. She is likely known by most people in the area as a greeter at WalMart in Nelson where she worked from 1988 until her retirement at age 82 in June 2011. She loved her job at WalMart, it was her second family. She enjoyed the daily interactions with fellow workers and customers, and deciding to finally retire was not something that came easily for her. She really was a “people person”.
We would like to extend thanks and appreciation for the many levels of support during this last part of her time with us as she dealt with leukemia. Staff from multiple departments at KLH provided a steady stream of respect and care for which we are so grateful. The nurses on 3rd floor especially were there around the clock looking after her, laughing with her, and putting up with her sass. Dr Malpass provided a depth of medical knowledge as well as deep compassion. A solid core of friends and family provided the love and support we needed to help us through it all.
Funeral services will be delivered at Thompson Funeral Home on Saturday Dec 10, 2011 at 10am. Helen has requested no flowers please, but rather donations to the Kootenay Lake Hospital Foundation would be appreciated.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.thompsonfs.ca
Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of Thompson Funeral Service Ltd.