Obituary of Helen Niemi

Helen Niemi, who was also affectionately known as Ice Cream Grandma, was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on April 27, 1926. Her parents were Alexander & Helen Murray. Most of her growing up years were spent in Weston, the west side of Winnipeg. She had 3 brothers and 1 sister, Alex, Ernie, Ron and Kay. Reading through Grandmas albums of her memories, it was clear how much she loved her family. She had many fond memories of her childhood. One that stuck out to me was her saying she can remember that on her first day of school she was so happy to have her brother Ernie to come sit with her because she was too shy to sit by herself...... I don't know about anyone here but I never remember her as being a shy person. Grandma Helen was married at the age of 18years old to Jack McPherson. Her first memory of him was written in one of her albums, this is written in her own her own words: (I had gone to a dance in downtown Winnipeg in 1942 during the 2nd world war. My girlfriends and I were sitting along the side of the dance floor when two soldiers and a sailor came in- I said, if they come ask us to dance, I want the sailor- that was your dad and the start of our life together) Because Jack was in the Navy they didn't get to spend much time together the first couple years of their marriage. But once the war was over in May of 1945, Helen and Jack moved into a home together and began their family and life together. In the years 1946 to 1959 Grandma Helen and Grandpa Jack had their 5 children, Sandra, Brian, Don, Jack and Ward. Throughout their life while raising their family they made many moves from province to province with Grandpa Jack's work. Some memories that the kids have with their Mom in the early years are.......Many happy times spending days at the beach in the White shell area of Manitoba, Mom being so terrified of mice, and locking the boys out of the house and making them empty their pockets before letting them in.Mom learning how to drive and taking her foot off the clutch and driving the car thru the garage pushing it right off the foundation into the septic field. Mom being a very prim and proper lady, an example of this was when, Sandy had found a cat having kittens on the road, thinking this was very neat took Ward out to see, when Grandma came out to see what was going on she was completely horrified that Ward was seeing this even thou it was just a cat. They arrived in Dawson Creek the summer of 1965; it was always a dream of theirs to live in the Peace River country. They thought that their family would have a better future in the north. Sadly only 4 years after settling in Dawson Creek, Ice Cream Grandma lost her husband. Being the strong woman she was she continued her life raising her family and working hard. Grandma met Grandpa Bob in 1970 as they were both working for the school board and they married in April of the following year. They began their life together with their combined family of 10 children. They always had projects on the go many happy family times were spent building and enjoying their cabin and sauna out at Moberly lake. In 1979 they began building their home at mile 22 and after lots of hard work moved into it in 1985. Shortly after they both decided to retire and enjoy their life as they grew old together. A quote from Grandma, "If our health holds out, we can spend many happy years here". I'm sure everyone here has fond memories of Mile 22. Some of our memories of Mile 22 as grandchildren are lots of saunas, learning to curl on the frozen ditch with ice cream pails, sleeping in Grandma's walk in closet, skating on the dugout, and many great family dinners. Also this is where Grandma got her name of Ice Cream Grandma, because I'm sure as all the grandchildren will remember she always had plenty of ice cream and even sprinkles. At that time in Grandmas life I found something she wrote and growing up I always remember her saying to us, Life has been good to me so regardless of when it ends, don't feel I have been cheated- not too many people are lucky enough to have two happy marriages and a family I have always been proud of. In May of 1994 Grandma Helen and Grandpa Bob decided to make the move from Mile 22 to an apartment in town. They both felt that it was the best choice as they were able to travel all summer in their motor home, which they both loved doing. I can always remember Grandma talking about her trips and her getting the motor home all ready to go. She really loved traveling all over Canada and has many pictures of their trips. I can especially remember when Grandma and Grandpa came home after their long holidays, we were sooo excited we would jump up and down and go running and yelling outside to see them! Also during this time, Grandma and Grandpa were very involved in senior activities, such as floor curling, senior's dances. They even went to the seniors games in southern BC many times. Grandma was proud that she had won a Gold metal when Grandpa had only won a bronze. She also enjoyed doing volunteer work for Meals on Wheels, and was always kept busy helping her family. We specifically remember Grandma taking us to piano lessons, curling and wherever else we needed. Always making sure, of course, that we were there on time. Ice Cream Grandma unfortunately lost Grandpa Bob in Feb of 2002. This was a devastating loss for our family, but especially for Grandma. However, she continued to spend her time flooring curling, attending dances and visiting all of her family and friends. We always had to remember to make an appointment to visit with Grandma, as she was always on the go. We all have different and special memories of Ice Cream Grandma, but I'm sure we can all agree that she was a strong woman who loved her family deeply, and she will be greatly missed. Helen passed away on Saturday, November 26, 2011, in Dawson Creek, B.C. at the age of 85 years. Helen is survived by her Daughter; Sandy (Fred), Sons; Don (Cate), Jack (Judy),Ward (Donna), Step Children; Maria (Lynn), Marlene, Russ (Lori), Sandra, Tammy,Numerous Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren,Nieces,Nephews and Friends. She was Predeceased by her Husband's; Jack McPherson, Bob Niemi, Son; Brian McPherson, Siblings; Ernie, Alec, Kay and Ron. A funeral service was held on Friday, December 2, 2011 at 1:00 pm from Reynars Funeral Chapel, Pauline Haycock officiated. Helen was laid to rest with her husband's Jack McPherson and Bob Niemi in the Dawson Creek City Cemetery. Ice Cream Grandma, you will be greatly missed. Memories Presented by Granddaughters; Kelsie MacLean & Kaley Brock Very respectfully Reynars Funeral Home and Crematorium.