November 23, 2023
In loving memory ~

We celebrate the life of Helen May Brandt, who passed away Nov. 23, at the age of 84. Helen was born in Enderby and raised at Mabel Lake, where her parents Alice (Husband) and Russell Large owned the Mabel Lake resort. From them she learned both kindness and the value of hard work. She lived her adult life in Vernon, raising her family and always enjoying life and travelling with family and friends. Mabel Lake remained precious to her. Helen loved time with her family, the outdoors, music, travelling, cooking and baking, and connecting with people. She had many lifelong friends, and also cherished new friends. She was a nurse, and a member of Trinity United Church, volunteering in UCW, scouting, and other roles. When she finished nursing school in 1961, she travelled with two friends by ship from New York City to hitchhike Ireland, Britain and Europe. She loved photography, like her father, and left us beautiful photographs of that trip, and later of her family, friends, and other travels. In Vernon she met Cliff Brandt, who shared her love for music and desire for a family, and they married. Their marriage lasted over 25 years. She was practical but always generous, encouraging her children in music and sports, and supporting them to do what made them happy. She believed deeply in fairness and including everyone. She volunteered in Romania and Nicaragua with children’s charities. Helen lived with Parkinson’s for 20 years, lucky to have many of those years still healthy and independent: quilting, travelling, cooking and baking, and seeing her grandchildren grow up. She is survived by her children Jeff, Dwayne, Neil, and Susan and their families in Winnipeg, Vancouver, Toronto and Vernon; four grandchildren, and her brother Hugh and sister Natasha. Instead of flowers, Helen would have appreciated donations to the Mackenzie Camp Society or the Parkinson Society of BC. A celebration of life will be held at Trinity United Church, Vernon, Dec. 15 at 10 am.