Helene passed away suddenly at home on October 13, 2026, with her loving son Calvin (Melissa) by her side.
Babe was born in Lethbridge to her parents Steve and Dolly Voytko. Babe was a true "North Side Girl" and would remain so her entire life. She may have moved away a few times, but her heart was always roaming the Coulees and River bottom with her cousins and friends. She had many adventures and was always a free spirit.
Mom had a deep and abiding love for her family, and the early loss of her father hit deep. Mom loved like she drove... fast... with all her attention and heart in it, she was going to win so much better just get out of her way.
Mom loved her acreage at Welling and could often be found racing around the yard on her riding mower like it was the Grand Prix. She took great pride in her home and yard, and that grass was cut before it even grew back again. Cal was busy with many renovations, some approved by her and some not. They were truly happy there.
Mom opened her home to many people and grandkids over the years. She spent countless hours preparing and cleaning for our BBQS and fundraisers. It always amazed me how she had everyone and anyone in for a tea or a sociable.
Mom loved music.... Her early years were formed by music, and she carried that her entire life. There were always some tunes she loved playing and sometimes surprising ones. Her taste was varied and eclectic. Grandpa Stevie was an Original Alberta Ranch Boy, and she was very proud of that fact. Her playlist would contain anything from Cool Water (Grandpa's favorite) to Pink Floyd's The Wall and Queen. Nobody puts Babe in a corner.
Mom loved animals and had many pets, but especially her German Shepherds and cats.
When Cal began his battle with Alzheimer's, Mom showed her strength and resilience and also something she was not famous for... Patience. Mom was a dedicated and loyal caregiver and could always be found spending all day with him and making sure he was well taken care of. It was also something she shared unconditionally with many others in Good Sam, and she made many friends. She cared very much for the people there.
Mom had many losses in her life, but the loss of her granddaughter Sharla was never ever healed, and it is comforting to know they are together again.
Mom's joy was her grandkids and great-grandkids, and although time and distance may have been a factor, she carried each and every one of them with her in her heart always.
Helene is survived by her children Karen (Greg) Collier of Raymond and Shannon (Rene Sr.) deGraaf of Pincher Creek. Wendy Knoch of Nanaimo. Calvin (Melissa) Bateman Jr. of Carmangay.
Grandchildren: Stevie Knoch of Nanaimo, Rene deGraaf Jr. (Misty) of Lethbridge, Amanda Collier (Kolbea) of Lethbridge, Aiden Bateman of Pickering, Ontario, Shelby (Justin) Hengerer of Pincher Creek, Josee (Doug) McKinnon of Glenwood, Jordan Avery of Nanaimo, and Ethan Bateman of Lethbridge.
Great-grandchildren: Arieanna deGraaf of Warburg, Greyson and Lacey Hengerer of Pincher Creek, Nevaeh Logan of Lethbridge, Oliver Knoch of Nanaimo, Colson, and Gwendolyn and Hendrik McKinnon of Glenwood.
Helene was predeceased by her loving husband, Cal Bateman Sr.; parents, Steve and Dolly Voytko; infant brother, Tommy; and sisters Margaret (Cookie) Houghton and Dorothy (Sis) Voytko, granddaughter Sharla Marie Collier, brother-in-law Leonard Houghton Sr., and special nephews Rod (Rowdy) Houghton and Shawn Mezie.
You were truly "one of a kind," Mom, and we miss you.
"I love you, a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck."
Rest easy, Mom. The hard work is done. xoxo
A Viewing will be held from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Monday, October 19, 2026, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL – 610 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta.
A private interment will be held at Mountain View Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to an animal rescue of your choice.