Obituary of Helen Graftaas

Helen Roberta Graftaas of Camrose, Alberta, passed away on Sunday, April 9, 2017, at the age of 89 years. Helen was born in Lampman, Saskatchewan to Robert and Myrtle Coxen on February 10, 1928. Helen was the artsy one in the family. She went as far as Grade 12 in Royal Conservatory Piano, was the lead soprano in numerous Operettas in Regina and did a lot of needlepoint, cross-stitch and crocheting over the years. She moved to Edmonton through work in the early 50's, met Jim and they were married in 1955. They moved to Camrose in 1968 and have lived here ever since. Helen had a good sense of humor and was as sharp as a tack until the end. She was a private person and with that, has requested no funeral. Left to cherish her memory are husband Jim (62 years); son Gary (Gwen); granddaughters Carly (Megan), and Nicole (Kriss); daughter Lynn (Ken Kuehn); in-laws Norm and Edith Graftaas; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Robert and Myrtle Coxen; brother Scott; and sister-in-law Joyce. At Helen's request, no formal funeral service will be held. The family would like to thank the staff at Sunrise Village for their friendship and care over the last two years. We'd also like to thank the staff in Unit 2 Palliative Care at St. Mary's Hospital for their outstanding care and compassion in her final 3 weeks. If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to the Canadian Diabetes Association or to St. Mary's Hospital, Unit 2 in Helen's honor.