Obituary of Mary Jessie Helgesen (Nee Ross)

Mary was born November 21, 1928 in the Highlands of Scotland. She passed away peacefully in Winnipeg on March 22, 2021. She will be lovingly remembered and missed by her daughter Berit, grandsons Kris and Jonathan (Julie), great granddaughters Emilie and Mia, sister Margaret (Ian), as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family and friends, both here in Canada and Scotland, as well as Norway, Australia and USA. Mom was predeceased by her parents; sons Roy and Ross; and siblings Bella, Geordie, Betty and Dougal. A few days before her death, mom was given special permission to see her new great granddaughter Mia. Although mom was too weak to communicate, her spontaneous smiles lit up the room. Mom married young in 1944 to Bill, a Norwegian who was stationed in Scotland with the Royal Norwegian Airforce. The family lived in Norway for ten years and England for a short time during this period, their daughter Berit being born in Norway and son Roy in England. The family moved to Canada in 1955, and their second son was born in Canada. Mom was gentle but strong, stubborn, kind, and generous. She loved spending time with her family and friends. Desserts were her favourite part of a meal. She loved music, treats, shopping, the weather channel, flowers, and her yard. She had a love for pets and had several canine companions over the years, the last being Laddie, the cutest and most affectionate cocker spaniel you could ever meet. Mom worked for many years as a social worker for Child and Family Services until her retirement. The family extends their thanks and appreciation to the home care staff, the Prime Program, and the staff at the Rosewood and Deer Lodge Centre. Recently mom moved into the Golden West Centennial Lodge and we thank them for their loving care and support. In accordance with Mom’s wishes, cremation has taken place and an interment at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens will take place at a later date. In light of current restrictions, a local gathering in celebration of Mary’s life is pending, and one will be held in Scotland once travel is permitted. For those who do desire, donations in Mary’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba.