MONA HELLER

1952 ~ 2012

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Mona Heller (nee DeGagne) on Thursday, October 11, 2012.  Mona was born in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, and moved with her parents to Medicine Hat, Alberta when she was a just a couple of years old.  It was there that she was raised and educated alongside her four siblings.  She later attended the University of Calgary and the University of Alberta in Edmonton where she obtained her Bachelor of Education degree, majoring in Special Education.  Mona lived in Halifax for a few years, married in 1977, and later moved to Langley, British Columbia to raise their sons.  Reading was one of Mona’s passions, and she was an active book club member for many years.  She cherished the gatherings with her close friends, and always took such pride in her reading selections (and to share and recommend favorite books).  Mona loved to garden and create wonderful, warm and inviting spaces everywhere, but no more apparent than in her home, for her husband, sons, and their friends who were always welcomed.  Her love of children kept her involved in schools as a parent and teacher; children loved to be with Mona.   She was a kind and gentle soul, soft- spoken, graceful and gracious; and had her own special way of making everyone feel important and included. She loved to write letters and cards; it was such a pleasure to receive a hand-written note adorned with her beautiful handwriting, always remembering a birthday or event.   Lovingly remembered and forever in the hearts of her husband, Dr. Brian Heller, and their precious sons, Geoffrey and Mason, of whom she was most proud.  Also left to cherish her memory is her Mother, Denise DeGagne (nee Lauze); her brothers, Maurice DeGagne of Medicine Hat; Rene DeGagne of Calgary; her sisters, Michelle DeGagne of Lethbridge; and Reanne DeGagne of Calgary; her sister-in-law, Brenda Williams (Tony) of New Westminster; cherished aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends near and far.  Mona was predeceased by her father, Eugene DeGagne; her father-in-law, Oscar Heller; and her mother-in-law, Olga Heller, all of Medicine Hat.  The memories we have of Mona have been etched into our hearts.  Her legacy will live on with the memories we hold and share.  We love you, Mona.  In honour of Mona’s life, a Memorial Service and a time of fellowship will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel on Saturday, November 10, 2012, at 1:00 p.m. with the Very Reverend Father Long Vu officiating.  (Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.cooksouthland.com)  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Mona’s honour may be made directly to the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation’s Neuroscience’s Program, 330 East Columbia Street, New Westminster, B.C., V3L 3W7.  Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13th Street S.W.   Medicine Hat, Alberta   T1A 4V4  Phone 403-527-6455