Helmi Bracco

Surrounded by her family, mountains and music, Helmi gracefully and peacefully joined her ancestors on Monday, March 10, 2014. Beloved wife of Brian Callaghan, mother of Annaliisa, Laura (Robin Clegg), Alex (Brianne) and Ben, new and doting Nana to Alexander John Bracco-Clegg and sister of Carole (Cliff) and Darryl (Peggy). Helmi was predeceased by her parents, John and Laura Bracco, and sister Katrysha.

A long term resident of Canmore, Helmi embraced mountain life. It was her greatest joy to be out skiing at the Nordic Centre, hiking the trails of Kananaskis Country and Banff and Yoho National Parks (especially Lake O'Hara), or running the trails around Canmore. Helmi took great pride in her social activism on the federal, provincial and local level. She enthusiastically supported initiatives related to social justice, gender equity and multiculturalism. Helmi advocated and lived a holistic approach to life, physically, spiritually, nutritionally and emotionally.

Helmi will be missed by her Canadian, Finnish and Ukrainian families, her many friends in the Bow Valley, as well as places as far as the eastern United States, Salluit and Montreal, Que., Morzine, France and Schönwald, Germany.

Helmi's family would like to thank Dr. Elizabeth McRae, Dr. Paola de Robles, and Nurse Practitioner Catriona Leckie from the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Dr. Steven Aung of Edmonton, Dr. John Michalyshyn and the nursing and support staff at the Canmore Hospital for their compassionate and professional care.

A Celebration of Life Service was held at Canmore Collegiate High School gymnasium on Friday, March 21, 2014. In commemoration of Helmi's joie de vie and inimitable style, friends were invited to wear their pearls and something red.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made online, or directly to the Canmore and Area Health Care Foundation, 1100 Hospital Place, Canmore, AB T1W 1N2. www.canmorehealthfoundation.com

Services provided by Russ Reynolds and Bow River Funeral Service.