Helen Pagel
Born to George and Edith Pagel on April 3, 1956, in Calgary Alberta. She was the fourth of their five children. Soon after her birth she was reborn in the Lord through the sacrament of Holy Baptism.
The family lived in Calgary until 1965 when they moved to Nanaimo. Helen attended school in Nanaimo through the 11th grade when she, her parents and younger brother moved to Victoria. She graduated from High school in Victoria, then earned a Bachelor’s of Education at the University of Victoria. She worked in a number of banks while she waited for a teaching position.
Helen moved to Bella Coola and taught in the Band school there for a few years. After this time she again relocated to Nanaimo. For the rest of her life she was a substitute teacher in Nanaimo. She was a well respected teacher and loved her profession.
Helen loved her nieces and nephews a great deal and was a significant influence on them throughout their lives. She was a faithful caregiver to her parents in their later years. When her mother was widowed, Helen was there for her anytime she needed her.
Helen enjoyed doing cross stitch and other crafts. She enjoyed reading and time for herself. She dearly loved children. She also very much enjoyed going on cruises and would have liked to do that more than she had the chance to do. Through most of her life she was also a faithful member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Nanaimo.
In November 2010 she went into the hospital for an operation because of cancer. Due to complications she ended up in ICU. On Wednesday, December 22, 2010 at 8:15 am the Lord of all mercy called Helen out of this sinful world to be with Him in Paradise. She reached the age of 54 years 8 months and 19 days. She was predeceased by her parents.
She is lovingly remembered by her brother, Joe of New Westminster; her sister, Elke of Victoria; her sister, Angie (and Tom) of Nanaimo; her brother, Peter (and Donna) of La Pine Oregon; her 2 nephews and 2 nieces as well as many other relatives and friends
A Memorial Service will be held on January 8, 2011 at 11:00 am at St. Paul’s Lutheran church in Nanaimo. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran in Nanaimo, 394 Shepherd Ave V9R 3X1.
Sands ~ Nanaimo
(250) 753-2032