August 17, 1945 - March 3, 2022
It is with great sadness that the family of Helen Mary Shelford announce her passing.
Predeceased by her parents Joseph and Rosalia Curylo and beloved husband, Jim Shelford (2002). Survived by dear sons, Timothy (Stephanie), Jeremy (Andrea) and Mark (Marie Eve); brother Edward (Rose Marie) and sister Valerie (Rick); her sister-in-law Bee Palmer (Larry); and not least, her six adored grandchildren: Camille Rose, Léontine, Grace & James, Matthew and Anya.
Helen was born and raised in Chilliwack, BC, helping out on the family dairy farm and engaging in 4-H activities and trips. She graduated high school from Chilliwack Senior Secondary School followed by a Bachelor of Education from the University of British Columbia.
She started her career as a teacher for the Chilliwack School Board at Cultus Lake Elementary, then taught for the Vancouver School Board at David Lloyd George Elementary School and Emily Carr Elementary School.
She also devoted her life to community service, including supporting events held by the UBC Faculty Women's Club, hosting numerous visiting university students and academics, helping her husband and sons organize and carry out innumerable (often soggy) Scouting activities and events, or teaching catechism at Kerrisdale's St. John the Apostle Parish.
Helen's passions were art, including painting, flower arranging, crafts and conducting online art classes for her grandchildren, as well as travel to exotic locations and far flung family. Above all else though, she was the cornerstone of her family and hosted gatherings for every Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, birthday and any other celebration her family sprung on her. Stoic and fierce with her love for family and friends, even through hard times and her final battle with cancer, she will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, and if so desired, please support the Dr. James A. Shelford Memorial Scholarship, in support of graduate students in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia at:
https://give.ubc.ca/shelford-memorial-scholarship