Tribute

Helen Nemes

November 7, 1931- March 7, 2026

Helen lived an incredible 94 years, a life defined by resilience, love, and an unwavering devotion to family. Her story began in Nyíridony, Hungary, where she spent her childhood and teenage years. Even though those were incredibly difficult times, Helen often reminisced in her later years that she had the best “teenagehood,” filled with memories she carried with her for the rest of her life.

Helen met and married Frank Nemes, during a turbulent time in history. They fled their homeland during the Hungarian Revolution and arrived at a refugee camp in Austria where they lived for six months. From there, they embarked on a journey across the world to Canada.

They first landed in Penticton, British Columbia, but ended up initially settling in Oliver, they then lived for a short time in Penticton before the family settled in Kaleden, where Helen and Frank raised their four beloved children. In the mid-1970s they returned to Oliver, where they would remain. It was on their family farm where Frank lived out the rest of his life before leaving Helen widowed at a relatively young age.

In the late 1990s, Helen moved into town, where she lived the remainder of her life. She had lived an incredibly hard life in her younger years, both in Hungary and in her early days in Canada yet through it all, Helen remained hardworking, tenacious, and incredibly independent. All those who knew her experienced her gentle heart and boisterous personality, she was someone who spread joy wherever she went. She was “Mama Nemes” to many and later Nana and GG to the generations that followed.

Helen cherished her family more than anything. She made sure each of them knew how proud she was, how deeply she loved them, and that they always had her unwavering support. She never missed an opportunity to show up for the people she loved.

Helen also had a love of gardening. To say she had a green thumb would be an understatement. Nature seemed to love her just as much as she loved it. Even in her final years she could occasionally be found outside pulling weeds, admiring the beautiful flowers, or proudly boasting about the incredible produce. With gardening came her incredible cooking. Helen was always happy to invite anyone in to enjoy a delicious meal that she had prepared. Staying true to her roots, she most often cooked traditional Hungarian dishes that were simply delicious. Sharing food was one of the many ways Helen showed her love, and no one ever left her table hungry.

Although Helen embraced life in Canada, she always referred to Hungary as “home.” In her later years she made many trips back, both on her own and with her family, mostly with her daughter Monica. Her most recent journey was just last September at the age of 93, when she was able to spend time with her beloved sister, Marika-Nany, and many other cherished family members. She adored her family in Hungary and always looked forward to seeing and talking to them.

Helen lived a life filled with love, hardship, and countless stories she was always happy to share with anyone who would listen. Those who knew her, loved her. She truly was the matriarch of her family and they will forever treasure the memories she created and the impact she had on their lives.

A life well lived and deeply loved, Helen leaves behind a legacy that will continue through the many lives she touched. She will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her stories, laughter, and traditions will continue to live on through the generations that follow.

“Emléke szívünkben örökké él.”

(Her memory lives forever in our hearts.)

Helen was predeceased by her husband, Frank Nemes and son, Eugene Nemes. She is lovingly remembered by her children, John Nemes (Marie), Monica Nemes, Frank Nemes (Roxana);

grandchildren: Sara Harker (Troy), Samantha Richardson (Justin), Kayla Nemes (Dave), Devon Nemes (Autumn), Dylan Nemes (Rebecca), Brandon Nemes, Jacqueline Pasquayak, John Nemes, James Nemes, Jordan Nemes; great-grandchildren, Kaydence, Akaya and Braxtyn Harker, Ember and Arlo Richardson, Emery and Wyatt Kassian, Amara and Asha Nemes, Kato and Freya Pasquayak. Family of the heart: Kevin Ryan, Keith Schopff, Marilyn Wiens, Ashley Ryan, Natalya Reym, Hadlee, Jonathan and Hazel Russell.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 11 at 1:00 pm at Park Drive Church in Oliver.