February 7, 1933 – October 22, 2025

Helen Leask of Osoyoos/ Sunnybank Centre, Oliver, passed away on October 22 2025.

Helen was born in Kipling, Saskatchewan on February 7th 1933, to Margaret and Steven Pallay. She was the middle child with an older brother Arpad and younger brother Tibor.

Helen is predeceased by her parent and both brothers. Also, her husband Stewart Leask and her partner Bill Dryden.

She is survived by Heather Vieira (John), Margaret Leask, and her grandchildren Josh Vieira (Brittny) Jillian Vieira (Russel Favel) Kalee Grunewald, Troy Grunewald (Carlene, deceased) Jesse Leask (Amber). As well as great grand children Sienna, Nolan, Brooks, Autumn, Aurora, Ariel, Felicia, Kyree, Kaiden, and Rylan.

Helen’s family moved to Taber, Alberta and worked in the sugar beet fields. Helen learned work ethics as a young child, as a Hungarian immigrant family, the family all worked hard to make a living. In 1942 the family landed in Osoyoos, B.C. They again worked hard in the ground crop fields and eventually were able to purchase their own 5-acre piece of paradise, that is still the family today.

Helen graduated from Oliver high school (grade 13) and then continued on to study in Victoria to become a teacher. She taught in Clayton (Surrey) for a number of years. It was here that she met Stewart, at the United Church youth group. They married in 1955 in Osoyoos and continued to live and work in Surrey. Helen stopped teaching for a time to raise Heather and Margaret. When they were older, she returned to teaching first as a sub and then in a private girl’s school for girls placed there by the courts. It was a challenging job but Helen rose to the challenge.
In 1974 Helen and Stewart returned to Osoyoos to take over the running of the orchard. After Helen was left a widow at 55, she learned that she loved to travel and went on many trips and cruises with her friend Eileen.

Helen was a member of the Osoyoos United Church, she spent many hours volunteering her time to the choir, church board, lady’s groups and thrift shop.

Helen was an amazing homemaker. She loved to cook and bake and many benefited from her talents.

The family would like to thank Dr. Garrett Tarr and the staff of Sunnybank Care Home
for all her care in the last few years!

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Osoyoos United Church or organization of your choice.

A private family graveside service at the Osoyoos Lakeview Cemetery was held. A memorial service was held at the Osoyoos United Church at 11:00 am Monday November 10, 2025 followed by a reception, in the church reception hall.

Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com