In Loving Memory of
Helen Jean Howden 
(nee Fisher)
age 88
Lovingly remembered by her children 
Douglas (Rebecca) and Elizabeth (Guy), 
daughter-in-law Liz (Scott), grandchildren Ryan, 
Catherine (Andrew), William and Erik (Lori) 
as well as their families.  
Helen was predeceased by her husband Walter,
 son Scott and son-in-law Harold.

Died 
April 23, 2024
Delwynda Court PCH
Deloraine, Manitoba

Graveside Service
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Waskada Cemetery
Waskada, Manitoba
2:00 p.m.

Donations in memory of Helen can be made to the Deloraine Health Centre Palliative Care Fund or to a charity of one’s choice.

Helen Jean Howden (Fisher) passed away peacefully on April 23, 2024. Helen was born May 18,
1935 in Swan River, Mb. Helen is predeceased by her father, Clarence Fisher; mother, Jean
Fisher; husband, Walter Howden; sister, Elaine (Ed) Mirecki; son, Scott Howden and son-in-law
Harold Pawluk. Surviving her is her son Doug (Rebecca) Howden, daughter-in-law Liz (Scott)
Howden; daughter Elizabeth (Guy) Pawluk; her grandchildren Ryan Pawluk; William Howden;
Catherine Pawluk (Andrew); and Erik Howden (Lori); and her great grandson Levi Howden. She
is also survived by numerous family members, nephews and nieces.
Helen’s family moved several times during her childhood, and she obtained her secondary
schooling in Durban, Croydon and Deloraine schools. She attended normal school and became
a teacher, whereby she worked in the Verona, Waterloo, Coultervale and Calf Mountain school
districts. Helen enjoyed teaching and proudly stated that she looked at everything as a
“teachable” moment. She recounted stories of some well-meaning students putting snakes in
her desk as a joke to scare Miss Fisher. Instead of reacting in a scared fashion, she created a
new science lesson on snakes.
Helen was very committed to being a contributing member of society. She was involved in
many committees over the years ranging from her kid’s school events; Addington group
meetings; volunteering at the concession stand at the rink; baking goods to help raise money
for various causes; took part in 4-H as a volunteer, marked targets at Junior Rifle club and
joined the Horticultural club just to name a few. Helen was never afraid to roll up her sleeves
and help out.
In 1958 Helen married Walter Charles Howden where they would settle and farm at Waskada,
Manitoba. Together they raised a family of three children, Doug, Scott and Elizabeth. Helen
and Walter were very hard working and dedicated parents. Most of our summers would be
spent working on the farm. Mom and dad ensured that we had fun and took in one special
event every summer to make sure we had a summer vacation.
Helen loved her plants, she would start plants in the basement of the farm house for the
upcoming year, then tended to the seedlings in the greenhouse. I remember seeing her every
morning watering, transplanting and taking the best care she could to ensure they thrived. All
with a grin and a breathy whistle. Her yard was filled with flower beds and her vegetable
gardens produced enough to feed us for the whole year. Helen worked hard during harvest,
canning and putting away the produce to ensure we had fresh healthy food to put on the table.
Helen even grew raspberries and strawberries in great numbers to the point she was able to
provide the neighbours and interested community members with pails for preserving.
Helen spent a lot of time baking, and yes using her baking time as a teachable moment to teach
her kids and grandkids how to cook. The baking came in handy as many memories can be
shared of neighbours dropping in for coffee or outings with the neighbours to play cards. Helen

loved visiting with both young and old. Her eyes would especially light up every time a baby
would come around. Helen would spoil them with love and affection.
Another passion of Helen’s was family history. She once stated in her younger years she
realized that all of her relatives were passing away and great memories of their lives were being
forgotten. It was then, the interest in family history came to light. Helen made it her life work
to painstakingly research her family history through archives, obituaries, visiting relatives,
graveyards and numerous phone calls. She paired up with family members to recount the
stories and she diligently archived those memories and important family dates. Eventually, she
gathered enough information to compile her own family history book.
Helen and Walter moved into the town of Deloraine to retire, and later Helen lived in the PCH
at Delwynda Court. True to Helen’s nature she took part of the activities in the care home and
tried to help with the plants and took part in the resident meetings.