Helen Elfert passed away in the early hours of Dec. 21st, 2024, the first day of the Winter Solstice. As you likely know, the winter solstice is the day that embodies a moment of transition—a shift from darkness to light. Trust Helen to choose this time to make her departure! Linda Leonard was with Helen, almost non-stop, during the past few days as she made her final journey from this life. It was a gradual and gentle passing at 3:35am at Purdy Pavilion where she received palliative care by their staff members. During the past 23 months, as a resident at Purdy, Helen became part of a small network of caring fellow residents who looked out for one another. In her last days, they gathered outside her door and sang two Christmas carols. This brought a smile to her face. They too feel the impending and actual loss of one of their own: the atmosphere on the unit has been somber and reflective this past week.
Helen taught at the UBC School of Nursing for a number years, having come from McGill via Calgary and Toronto and retired as an Associate Professor Emerita. She was 93 and predeceased 2 years ago, almost to the day, by her beloved husband Frank–they were married for 53 years. She leaves to mourn her son Martin, daughter-in-law Phoebe, grandchildren Amiel, Miriam and Timothy as well as her close cousin Peter Moogk, a UBC Professor Emeritus.
Her son Martin, the Rector at Grace Memorial Episcopal Church in Portland Oregon, will be arranging a celebration of her life to take place in Vancouver at some point in 2025.
