by Deb Lee, BRCA Heritage Committee and friend of Helen
On Saturday, December 20, Helen Jusic celebrated an early Christmas with her daughter, her grandson, and his family, including her two great-grandsons. After enjoying a delicious meal and opening presents, Helen insisted that they do a family picture around the Christmas tree. Shortly after, as Helen was returning to her home, she suddenly died.
We all felt shock and disbelief. Was Helen not our community’s ‘ever-ready bunny’ who would always bounce back, and who would always be there for us, waving and sharing her love?
Our neighbour Helen lived on 11A Street in Bridgeland for decades. She was a long-service employee at the Calgary General Hospital, and after her retirement, she continued to be involved as a volunteer with several organizations in the community. This included Silvera for Seniors, Rehab Society of Calgary, Christine Meikle School, Canadian National Institute for the Blind, and she was awarded many certificates showing what a dedicated and appreciated volunteer she was!
Helen thrived on giving kindness, but when Covid came along in 2020, she was no longer allowed to volunteer and help others with her good works. This was very distressing to Helen until she had a brilliant idea. Keeping in line with Covid restrictions, she decided to greet people —from a distance— at the corner of 12 Street and 1 Avenue. Faithfully, she stood at the corner, sharing air hugs and blowing kisses to everyone who passed by. And very soon, those passersby started waving back. More and more Calgarians looked forward to greeting her as they passed. Helen became quite famous, not just in Bridgeland-Riverside, but all over the world. Her story was featured in local, national, and international news, warming the hearts of people of all ages. Long after Covid was over, Helen continued to wave at passersby, and her appearance at the corner brought many Calgarians smiles and appreciation.
When the news of Helen’s passing was reported on Bridgeland-Riverside Facebook groups, we received over 800 reactions to the post—probably the most ever. People shared their feelings about Helen. Here are a few of the comments:
Joe said, “Thank you for being a shining light and bringing joy to this world.”
Cheryl said, “Helen’s warmth reached far beyond her neighbourhood and touched the whole city”.
Jen said, “Helen’s acts of kindness hit deep. I think of her often”.
Elisa said, “Even though Helen waved and blew kisses and said ‘I love you’ to everyone, I felt like it was just for me. It takes a special person to make you feel that way when you are essentially a stranger to each other”.
Brooklyn says, “I met Helen when I delivered medications to her. She would sing ‘You Are My Sunshine’ as I left the room, until I was down the hallway. She inspired me to go through life with more love and compassion”.
Caitie said, “Helen, you embodied what the world needed most, when it needed it most. May your legacy inspire everyone to be just a little kinder every day.”
Allanna said, “Your light reached far beyond those who knew you personally and your joy and warmth brought hope to many in an otherwise dark time – thank you for reminding us of the power of sharing happiness and love with the world.”
Lisa said, “Taking the time to chat with Helen would lift your spirits.”
Laureen said, “You were the best, Helen. You were the rock for the community, and I hope your family knows how many lives you touched with your kindness. You will always be remembered.”
Dave said, “Beautiful lady… Made us smile when we drove by.”
Kara said, “I loved seeing Helen on the corner and would often circle the block so I could get a second wave from her.”
Helen’s kindness and loving actions touched many. We miss her, and she will not be forgotten.
In 2024, a local park was named in her honour. “Helen’s Garden” is just south of Bishop’s Manor, near the 12 Street access to the community. We were working with Helen on the wording for the name plaque. It will soon be completed. We plan to install the plaque in the spring. This will be an opportunity to celebrate Helen and all that she meant to us.
Please stay tuned for the unveiling of Helen’s Garden plaque.
Helen Jusic Waving Farewell. Photo by Santisouk Phommachakr
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