Helen Caroline Bourchier (nee Nora)

September 10, 1933 - February 21, 2019
Helen Caroline Bourchier (Nora) passed away on Feb. 21, 2019 at the Castleview Care Centre in Castlegar, BC, loving daughters by her side.
Born in Rossland on September 10, 1933 to Trygve and Valborg Nora, Helen was a true Kootenay girl, embracing the outdoors, excelling at sports, making time for family and friends and supporting her church and community. Over the years Helen was involved at the executive level of the Black Jack Cross Country Ski Club, Rossland Tennis Club, Swimming Pool Society, Rossland Credit Union, United Church and The Sons of Norway. She was also a long time member of the United Church choir.
She taught school in both Rossland and Trail and distinguished herself as a caring, inspiring teacher and coach. She organized many community events and "work parties", and always found the time to help anyone in need. Her back yard BBQ's were legendary, often going late into the night as her friends and family gathered to eat, sing, dance and more often than not, lose a game of bocce to Helen.
An accomplished athlete, Helen won over 30 medals in World Masters XC Ski Championships (3 Golds in the 2004 Norwegian Games) and 28 medals in Cycling in the ten BC Senior Games that she attended. In 2015 she was inducted into the Trail Sports Hall of Fame. Gracious in defeat and humble in victory, Helen embodied all that is positive in sport.
Helen will be forever cherished by her daughters Tanis (Justin), Christine (Rand), Heather, grandchildren Kendra (Brett), Katie, Carsen, Abbie, Shayla, sister Pat (Alex), brother's in law Bob and Mike (Joyce). Helen's many nieces and nephews as well as extended family in Norway will also remember her fondly.
She is predeceased by husband Pete and sister Rigmor.
A Celebration of Life for Helen Bourchier will be held at the United Church in Rossland, Saturday June 22nd at 3 pm. Reception to follow at the Lions park campground in Rossland.
In lieu of flowers donations to the Canadian Alzheimer's society would be appreciated.