In Memory of

Helen

Margaret

Wray

Obituary for Helen Margaret Wray

Helen Margaret Wright was born April 18, 1934 in Lethbridge, AB to Wilson Martin Wright (1896-1954) and Nellie Irene Stirling (1902-1989). Helen grew up in Taber, AB where she developed a lifelong love of tennis. Upon high school graduation, she moved to Edmonton to attend university where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Laboratory Technology in 1955. A few months later, she married Richard Wray and they spent their first year of married life in Edmonton. Helen worked as a laboratory technologist and Richard (Dick) completed his medical residency in the same hospital. In 1956 they moved to Olds, AB but with no jobs openings for laboratory technologists, Helen worked at Maybanks Drugstore. Helen and Dick quickly got involved with the community, volunteering with different organizations and socializing with other young couples. They were always very active with curling being one of their favourite pastimes. In 1960 they adopted their first daughter Donna, and went on to adopt four more children, Stephen, Nancy, Kenneth, and Susan. Helen was passionate about all animals, always having a pack of both her beloved Brittany Spaniels and various animals needing a homes. She loved to garden, pick berries, freeze, and can produce. She was a wonderful cook and was always trying out new recipes. She provided her children many cherished memories of family skiing trips, family camping trips on Kootenay Lake where they later purchased a family cabin enjoyed by generations of their family. She sewed amazing creations for both her children and grandchildren over the years, items kept by them all to pass down. Helen was always adventurous and adored traveling, but her favourites spots were in Central and South America. After many trips Dick and Helen found their favourite place at Tamarindo, Costa Rica where they visited frequently. Later in life, Helen’s osteoporosis started to slowly impact her ability to do the activities she loved. She never complained or let anyone help her. Helen passed away on March 11, 2023 at home surrounded by family. She is survived by her loving husband Richard Wray; children Donna, Stephen, Nancy (Steve), Kenneth (Karla) and Susan (Greg); grandchildren Matthew and Leigh Thompson, Zachary Wray and Sydney Ragan, Mason, Dawson and Jensen Wray, Kaitlyn and Austin McDonald, and sister Betty Lake. The family would like to thank Dr. Leoni Kelly for the care she provided Helen and the family. Helen wish to spend her last days at home would not have been possible with out the support and exceptional medical care of Dr. Kelly. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to Osteoporosis Canada in Helen’s name. Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., Olds entrusted with the arrangements. Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., Olds entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com