Obituary of Helen Clara Riesberry

Helen Clara Riesberry Helen was born to David and Martha Gerring on August 11, 1916 on a farm near Kemnay, Manitoba. The baby was not expected to live long, but Helen's zest for life far surpassed that notion as she lived to be almost 94 years young. Helen passed peacefully with family by her side on Sunday, July 11th, 2010. Helen met the love of her life, Don Riesberry, a handsome college student from Rapid City while working in Brandon during the Depression years. After a lengthy courtship they married in 1942. Don enlisted and was overseas when their daughter, Eleanor, was born. Sadly, Don was killed in action in Belgium and Helen was left a young widow to raise Eleanor alone, which she did admirably. After her husband's death during active service on October 1944, Helen continued her education at Brandon College. She then graduated from the School of Social Work at the University of Manitoba in 1948 where she received a gold medal for her efforts. She returned to Brandon as the Executive Director of the Children's Aid Society of Western Manitoba, a position she held until her retirement in October 1976. Under her leadership, the Agency developed programs to support families and nurture parenting skills including homemaker service, family and group daycare, summer camp and family life education. Helen also forged positive relationships with First Nations communities across southwestern Manitoba. Faith was a vital part of Helen's life where the parish of Saint Matthew's was like extended family. She served in the choir, Mardi Club and, on parish, Diocesan and National Committees. At the same time, Helen was very active in numerous community groups including the Brandon Festival of the Arts, the Quota Club, Hobbs Manor for senior citizens, and the Canadian Nature Federation. Her contributions to the community were recognized by the conferring of an Honorary Doctorate degree from Brandon University in May 1972 and the Buffalo Scout Award from the Manitoba Provincial Government in May 1973. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter Eleanor Brownlee of Pender Island, her three beloved grandchildren Ross, Kevin (Myra) and Meredith (Rob), their father Clark Brownlee, a sister Edith Fish of Winnipeg, nieces and nephews, many friends and was predeceased by her dear friend Marg Goodman. Her family would like to thank the staff at Hillcrest Place who were her friends and companions for three good years. The Memorial Service will be held at St. Matthew's Cathedral, 403-13th Street, Brandon, on Saturday, July 17, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. with The Very Rev. Robin Walker and Archdeacon Paul Curtis officiating. If friends so desire, memorial gifts may be made to St. Matthew's Memorial Fund, 403-13th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 4P9, the Child and Family Services of Western Manitoba, 800 McTavish Avenue, Brandon, MB, R7A 7L4 or a charity of choice.