HELTEN, Verna Audrey (Nee:Aldie)
Verna Helten passed away at home with her family by her side on Tuesday, October 28 at the age of 71.
She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her husband of 21 years, Peter; children: Nadine Emsley, James (Rhonda) Marrazzo, step children Nicole (Sheldon) Spence, Jason Helten, grandchildren Landon (Bailey), Hannah (Dana), Jocelyn, Ethan, Michael and great grandsons Chance and Bowen. She also leaves extended family and many friends who will cherish her memory.
Verna was pre-deceased by her parents, Anna and Nicholas Aldie, husband Len Poitras and parents in law, Inge and Werner Helten.
Verna was born in Vilna, AB, and the family later moved to Edmonton where she was raised and made her home. She had a long career in accounting but it was volunteering and her faith that guided her heart and purpose. Compassionate and selfless in her quiet service, Verna developed deep community connections and nurtured lasting friendships. She found joy in travelling the globe with Peter, sharing holidays with her family and showering attention on her pups.
The family welcomes all those whose lives she touched to attend a memorial service at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 8715 - 118 Avenue NW, Edmonton, Alberta on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.
Those who wish to remember Verna with a memorial tribute may make a donation to the Cross Cancer Institute
via the Alberta Cancer Foundation at https://albertacancer.ca/why-we-need-you/albertas-cancer-centres/ or a
charity of your choice.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Verna’s family, and to Peter. She was very loved, very devoted and selfless, may she rest in peace.
So sorry to hear of Verna’s passing … may she rest in peace
Our thoughts and prayers for you and the family on the passing of your dear wife. I know she meant the world to you. You were a lucky man to be married to such a remarkable woman at your side for over 20 years. Rest in Peace Verna 🙏🏻
We would like to send our condolences to Verna’s family and friends. We cherish precious memories with Verna and will forever be thanknful for everything she has done for us and our Son. Hugs to the family.
Peter and family — sorry for your loss
Our deepest condolences to Peter and the family and close friends With the loss of Verna.
We knew Verna as a quiet spoken woman who loved to laugh,
She freely shared a message of hope for those who felt without.
She is and will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Peter, I’m very sorry for your loss. I know how much Verna meant to you.
My dearest friend Verna
You were so loved and will be missed by many.
I was blessed to have you in my life for 3 decades and hope to pass on your teachings till we meet again. My prayers go to Peter and Verna’s family 💔
Lois White
Heartfelt condolences on the loss of your dear wife, Peter.
to Peter and family Verna will truly be missed so sorry for your loss
May our prayers for you and your family, help give you strength and peace Peter. Verna was a wonderful friend and she will be greatly missed! May God, and all His Wisdom and Mercy be with you and yours now and always!
My deepest condolences to Peter & family. Verna was a kind person who will be greatly missed, rest in peace Verna.
Peter and Family – I think the quote “people will never forget how you made them feel” is perfect for Verna. Even those of us that only knew her as a volunteer could feel her kindness, warmth and understanding.
I am very sorry for your loss.
Sad as it is to lose anyone, I am so grateful for having had the opportunity to share work life and leisure interests for many years with this fine gal and human being! Verna was often ‘there’ for me and always brought a happy, positive message and endeavor to everything I was privy to with her. To Peter, whom I’ve also known for many years, thank you so much for relentlessly being there through all of this for Verna, helping her be strong supporting her always! Again I am grateful.
Verna I miss you, we miss you but with a little Grace, in time, we’ll all catch up on the ‘other side’. Your friend always…
Peter and family- my condolences goes out to all of you Verna you will be missed by a lot of family and friends R.I.P.my dearly friend Verna
🥰
I am sorry for the loss of Verna.we enjoyed so much being bridge partners before her illness, so many laughs and just fun times. And finding out our daughters were born the same day, same hospital, but not knowing each other. We will meet again.
My deepest condolences to Peter and family on the passing of Verna, I met and sat with Verna and others on many occasions, always noting what a kind and loving person she was. R.I.P. Verna! ❤️