April 13, 1937 – February 15, 2025 

Born to Annie and Michael Popovich on April 13, 1937, in Prince Rupert B.C., Helen Blackstock entered the world with her blazing red hair, loving heart and determined spirit that shaped her 87 years of celebrating family, friends, the land and all that lived on it. She grew up with her beloved sisters Jean and Edith and brother Lawrence along the side of the railway tracks at Copper, B.C. 

Fiercely independent and proud from the beginning, Helen and her siblings got into all kinds of fun mischief when they were not working hard to help the family keep a roof over their heads. Helen later moved to Smithers to be near her sister Edith and to spend time with her much loved nieces and nephews: Ken, Don, Ray, Judy, Chris, Barbara and Larry. 

Helen worked at a bakery and later as a BC Tel switchboard operator in Smithers where she met her husband Del. Helen passed along her work ethic, determination and loving spirit to her three children, Michael, Cindy and Sheila and honorary son Joey. 

From picking huckleberries and pinecones as young children to the mandatory get a job when you are 16, Helen wanted all three of her kids to be good people, hard workers and get a good education. She was a strict and loving parent who tossed the strict part to the weigh side when her four grandsons, Michael, Scott, David and Matthew arrived. When she was not working at the Prince George Hospital switchboard, she loved spending time with them fishing, baking bread, camping and crafting. Her happy place was in her garden surrounded by family, friends and dogs at her home in Prince George where she lived the last forty years of her life.  

Helen was a social person who could often be found shopping with the late Thelma Blackstock, having coffee at Arnolds with Janet and tea with Brenda every Wednesday at 10:30. 

Helen passed away peacefully, under her own terms on February 15, 2025, surrounded by her family and her beloved dog Mia.  Helen’s life was a blessing and a triumph, and the family wishes to thank the many who loved her, learned from her and were inspired by her.  Special thanks to Dr. Farren, Dr. Bourdeau, nurses Shelby, Ashley, Morgan and Sheena and the entire team at hospice. 

In lieu of flower, acts of kindness and donations to the Marjorie Willoughby Hospice House in Kamloops or the SPCA are appreciated.      

You may offer a message of condolence at Cypress Funeral and Cremation Services for the Blackstock family.

• Date : 2025-02-15
• Location : Kamloops