Helen Anne Penz (nee Lyall) passed away peacefully on August 31, 2020 after battling COPD for
over a decade.

Her strength and great sense of humour carried through her lifetime especially
during the last years of her life.

Helen was born in Claresholm, Alberta on January 3, 1938 to Gideon and Kathleen Lyall. The family
moved to Calgary in 1940 where Helen attended school and played a variety of sports. Helen
became a hair stylist and model after high school.

She met John Penz and they were married in Calgary on October 18, 1958. They were immediately
transferred to Prince Rupert, BC. John was in the RCMP and they lived in many places all over
Canada. It wasn’t an easy life, but they made lifelong friends at every posting.

Their son Roderick Lyall Penz was born in Prince Rupert in 1960, and their daughter Kathryn
Michele Penz was born in Regina in 1964. Family was very important to Helen and even though
she was far away at times, she tried to keep a close connection.

Helen loved to dance, paint, sew, do crafts, make flower arrangements, play cards, play ball, golf,
curl and travel. She also loved to elegantly entertain friends and family. She was the Hostess with
the Mostest!

Helen worked as a realtor, hair stylist, cosmetologist and service representative and excelled at all
of them. Helen was very artistic which was portrayed in all of her homes, she loved to paint special
characters for her kid’s birthday parties and so much more.

After they retired they spent 12 Wonderful Winters in Yuma, Arizona where they made many new
friends and just had FUN! Helen also enjoyed wonderful holiday adventures to so many places.
They finally settled in Vernon in 2002, unfortunately John became ill and passed away in 2005. Helen
remained active golfing, playing cards, volunteering for the Hospital Auxiliary and entertaining.

Helen is survived by her son Rod, daughter Michele, granddaughter Celina, brother Jim Lyall, sister
Bonnie and brother in law Norm Gray and Helen’s Special Friend Verne Williams. Helen is also survived by many brothers and sisters in laws. Helen will be deeply missed by her nephew Jim, niece Christie, nephew Ryan, niece Allana and their Families.

There are so many nieces, nephews, cousins and Friends that have been touched by Helen’s love
and kindness, they will miss her sweet smile and great laugh.

Due to covid and Helen’s wishes a Family Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date. In Lieu
of Flowers, Donations could be made to Vernon Hospice Society.