Obituary of Helen Margaret Putnam

Helen Margaret Putnam passed away on June 11, 2020 at AgeCare Sagewood facility in Strathmore, Alberta at the age of 97. 

Helen was born on May 10, 1923 and was the oldest daughter of Cliff and Maggie Way. She grew up on the family farm four miles north of Strathmore and was educated at Berta Vale school, a one room schoolhouse a mile's walk from her home. After completing her schooling, she worked at the Royal Bank in Strathmore until her marriage to Clarence (Cy) Putnam on November 3, 1947. Helen and Cy made their home on his family farm in the district of Nightingale for the next 71 years and raised six children. 

Helen’s ability to host large family gatherings on major holidays such as Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving along with her kind and thoughtful nature resulted in her being highly regarded within the large extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins.  She was a prominent member of the Nightingale community and belonged to the Women's Institute Girls Club serving in every capacity including secretary, treasurer and president.

She was physically full of vigour – even well into her senior years. She poured her energy into maintaining a lovely home and garden. With an exceptional talent for sewing, she always had a project on the go. Many of her projects such as Halloween costumes and home décor items, she had created completely from scratch. To relax she enjoyed reading and was especially drawn to historical novels and autobiographical accounts of the British Royal family.

After the family grew up Helen and Cy became avid world travelers and traveled to many countries. They visited every continent except Africa and Antarctica. Some notable destinations include Australia, New Zealand, England, France, Belgium, Italy, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Russia, Indonesia, China southern USA, Alaska, Mexico and cruising through the Panama Canal. Helen meticulously documented the major trips in photo albums.

Helen is survived by her husband of 73 years Clarence (Cy) Putnam, son Lorne Putnam, daughters Elaine (Ed) Connolly, Laurel (Dave) Young, Heather Bishop and Nola (Lorne) Newitt,  grandchildren Trevor, Tyler, Nicolas, Patrick, Stephanie, Scott, Devon, Richard, Dillon and Cailey and great grandchildren Aiden, Emma, Ava, Mia and Brooklyn. She is pre-deceased by her son Kerry Putnam in 2017, parents Clifford and Maggie Way, brothers Bobby, Lawrence and Ralph Way, and sisters Ruth Snook and Ethel Stewart.

The family would like to thank the staff at AgeCare Sagewood for their kindness and compassion during the past year.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made at www.alzheimercalgary.ca or www.diabetes.ca.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions the family will hold a private funeral service.

Helen's service will be live streamed. Click here to watch the live stream.