It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Helen Tetzlaff, who passed away peacefully in the presence of family at Park Meadows Good Samaritan in Lethbridge, Alberta.
Helen experienced a decline in health over the past five months and had a brief period in palliative care. Prior to this, Helen lived an independent life at The View and was blessed with a sharp mind and memory until her final days.
Helen was born on March 2, 1930, to Katherine and Leo Gurski, the second oldest of twelve children. She grew up working on the family farm in Viscount, SK, learning the values of hard work and resilience that stayed with her throughout her life. On October 3, 1950, she married Raymond Tetzlaff. They first farmed together on the McGee farm. Helen and Raymond then farmed in the Macklin District, and finally in Kerrobert District, where the family established their homestead for many years. Together they raised 5 children.
In 1979, Helen moved to North Battleford, where she went to secretarial school and graduated at the age of 51. Helen used her diploma to obtain full-time work at a medical clinic. Helen later moved to Lethbridge to be closer to family who could help with her care and to be near proper medical attention.
Helen faced many challenges throughout her lifetime and kept moving forward with grace, hard work, and determination. She accepted all the changes in her life and made the best out of each situation.
Helen had a strong faith that guided her throughout her life. She was very active in the church. She volunteered for many funeral lunches. Helen was a long-time member of the CWL and took a turn at being the president of the CWL. She generously gave her time volunteering at the hospital.
Baking was something Helen really enjoyed and she always had many baked goods for her family. A family favourite, ketchup meatballs, has been passed down through the generations. Helen also enjoyed gardening, plants, sewing, bowling, yoga, the casino, shopping for clothes, and lunch with her friends. She enjoyed watching curling and playing kaiser. Helen always took great pride in her appearance and looked younger than her age.
Helen was a good loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend. She loved sending cards to family and friends and always remembered everyone’s birthday and anniversary. Helen cherished the time spent with her family and friends above all else.
She was predeceased by her husband Raymond and her granddaughter, Lindsay.
She is survived by her son, Trevor (Sylvia), and their children: Jammie (Shane) and their children Otis and Sadie: Stephanie (Colin) and their children Kaydence and Jenna; and Trent (Keltie) and their children Kingsley, Wendel, and Sarah. She is also survived by her daughter, Laura (Roman Heroux) and their son Scot; her daughter, Ramona Bareham and her children Cody Makorto (Lindsay) and their sons Ray and Evren, and Joshua Makorto; her son, Perry (Kathy), and their sons Chad (Kerri) and their daughter Leah, and Ashton (Lexie); and her daughter, Lynette (Rick Harder), and their children Katelyn (Will Bartlett) and their daughter Eliza, Graham (Chelsea), Cole (Chelsey), and Mason.
Helen will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her “goodbye saying” was always “love you more” and “take good care of you”!
A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM, on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 12 Ave S, Lethbridge, with Father Santiago Torres celebrant. Interment will take place in Saskatchewan at a later date.
Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Services.