Iris Helfrich

It is with sorrow that we announce the passing of Iris Hulda Helfrich on February 9, 2024, at the age of 95 years. Iris was born on May 6th, 1928 to Thomas and Hulda Croker in Bassano, AB, the eldest of seven siblings. The family moved to Hanna, AB where Iris attended school. She loved to ride her horse, read, and dance. At 16, she and her Aunt Vera moved to Calgary to seek employment. After working in a restaurant for a couple of years, she moved back to Hanna and started dating LaVern Pincombe. On January 22, 1947, Iris and LaVern were married and by the end of that year, Edward “Ted” was born. Robert “Bob” followed 11 months later in 1948. When the Korean War started, LaVern enlisted and Iris and the boys moved to Calgary and then to Stettler with her Aunt Emma. After the war when LaVern returned home, the family moved back to Hanna. Teresa, their first daughter was born there in 1956. In 1960, the family moved to Alsask, SK where LaVern helped build the Canadian Forces Base then proceeded to get a job there as the Boiler Manager. Their youngest daughter, Angela, was born in 1964. Unfortunately, their marriage ended in 1976 and Iris and Angela moved to Lacombe, AB. It was there that Iris met Sam Helfrich, who was also originally from Alsask. They and Angela moved to Eatonia, SK, where Sam was the Co-op manager. Iris enjoyed working in her garden, reading, doing crafts and painting. She won many awards with the local art society for her oil, acrylic and embroidered pictures. Following many health issues, Iris separated from Sam in 2014 and moved back to Lacombe to live with her daughter, Angela, and family. She moved into the Senior’s Lodge the following year. In the summer of 2021, as Iris’ health and mobility declined, she moved in the Lacombe Hospital and Continuing Care. Iris is predeceased by her parents; siblings, Ray (Ann) Croker, Hughina (Jim Colbert) Moench, Gail (Ernie) Irion and Darlene McConnell; and granddaughter Megan Twist. She is lovingly remembered by her sister, Joyce (Martin) Brunner; brother Gary (Cathy) Croker; four children, Ted (Jean) Pincombe, Bob Pincombe, Teresa (Allan) Fuller, and Angela (Les) Stephenson; daughter-in-law, Kathy Pincombe; seven grandchildren, Shelley, Laurie, Robert Jr., Shaun, Nicholas, Rochelle and Vincent; and six great-grandchildren, Avery, Cade, Vienna, Madison, Conlin and Andi. Thank you to all the staff of the Lacombe Seniors Lodge and the Lacombe Hospital and Continuing Care, for their kindness and excellent care of Iris during her final years. At Iris’ request, there will not be any services, but, if desired and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made directly to the Lacombe Hospital and Continuing Care Centre, care of Lacombe Health Trust, Box 5663. Lacombe, AB  T4L 1X3 or the Canadian Cancer Society, 200-325 Manning Rd NE, Calgary, AB  T2E 2P5