Annie (Vlaar) Helkenberg

HELKENBERG, ANNIE (nee VLAAR) On May 7th, 2024 Annie passed away peacefully in Smithers at the age of 98 with family by her side. She is survived by her two sons, Dave (Mara), Jess (Ginger) and joins her daughter Nettie (Mitch) in what comes next. She will be deeply missed by her numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; Sean (Kat), Vance (Courtney), Adrina, Charlie (Julie), Davin (Renee) Davey, Leanne (Ben), Darcy (Carole) and numerous great grandchildren including a recent birth of a great granddaughter named Annie after Annie AKA Nana herself. She was a source of strength and constant positivity for the whole family.

Annie immigrated with her family from the Netherlands in her youth and eventually settled in Smithers, where she made a home in the Driftwood Valley. She was always busy baking, crocheting or just playing a game of solitaire. She enjoyed keeping busy, something she believed kept her strong and sharp. She was the heart of the family and ensured everyone felt loved.

Along with family she will be missed by her many friends and those who knew her over the years, especially her dear friend Gloria. The two became close friends while working together at Super-Value and since then always stayed connected.

Annie’s departure has left an indelible mark in the hearts of all who knew and loved her and the imprint of her spirit will remain ever present.

A private family Celebration of Life will take place as per the final wishes of our beautiful and beloved Annie (Nana) Helkenberg.

Little Spoons:

A poem for Annie

by Darcy Helkenberg

On the wall beside the couch, beside the window that looks out towards the creek hang several little spoons, collected over the years from various places she has travelled

or from others who were thinking of her as they travelled. Every so often she would take them down and polish them. One by one until they are spotless. She would sit at the couch with all those spoons spread out on the coffee table,

a simple rectangle with two glass leaves that reveal everything below. She would hold them in her hands and polish them like a song, perfectly in time with the clock that hangs across the room above the piano.

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