Obituary of Helen Regina Riddell

Helen Regina Riddell (nee Mastel) passed away peacefully at Grace Hospice in Regina on Friday, July 22, 2022 at the age of 90 years with her loving family by her side. Helen’s memory will be forever cherished by her family: son Rod (Gaylene) and their children Riley (Jana) and Erica (Mike); daughter Rhonda (Darwin) Day and their children Stephen (Opal), Shaun and Jessica; daughter-in-law Lisa Armbruster and daughter Rachael; great-grandchildren, Laiken, Kaileb, Jasper, Nikolas, Scottie and one on the way; brothers Ron (Shirley) Mastel and Ray Mastel; brother-in-law Rolf Starkebaum; sisters-in-law Shirley Riddell, Edith Wagner and Carol;  as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Gordon Riddell; son Ryan Riddell; mother Katie Mastel; father Ben Mastel; brother John Mastel; and sisters Evelyn Rychlo and Rose Starkebaum.

Helen lived a full life and met her husband Gordon on a blind date. They were married six months later in 1954 and had a wonderful life together until his passing in 2006. She started her working career at 15 years old in the buying department of Simpsons Sears and worked there until their first son, Rodney, was born when she was 27. Over the years, Helen and Gordie bought businesses in Odessa and Rosetown and later chose to raise a family in Bengough where they purchased a grocery store. They also owned a bakery for a short time in Bengough. Helen and Gordon eventually sold the store and bakery and bought the Ogema Motor Inn where they lived and worked until they retired to Regina.

Helen loved to sing, and she and her sister Evie sang at all kinds of events from the time they were little girls until Evie’s passing. When Rose was available, she joined them. Helen’s best friends were her sisters, and her bond with sisters Rose and Evie was very strong.  They spent every Thursday together - there was nothing you could do to make them miss a Thursday. They would shop, yard sale, and go to bingo. Helen also loved spending time with her family and her brothers Ron and Ray.

In her final years, Helen lived with her daughter Rhonda and son-in-law Darwin, and periodically whichever one of their children happened to also need a place to stay. She loved to sit in her favourite chair to hear the latest family gossip, drop some snacks for their dog, Patti, or participate in 'Caesar Sunday'. Grandma Helen loved her grandkids and great-grandkids, she was always very proud of them and loved hearing about their adventures. She loved to sing to them, and they all remember the many songs Grandma Helen sang from the time they were babies. When Rhonda and Darwin were away Helen spent time with her son Rod and daughter-in-law Gaylene. They always had so much fun with a few drinks and lots of songs. 

The family would like to thank the caring and compassionate staff at Grace Hospice for the excellent care they gave Helen in her final weeks. They were truly amazing!

A Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, July 22, 2022 at Holy Family R.C Parish, 1021 McCarthy Blvd. Regina, SK.

Flowers will be gratefully declined, donations may be made in Helen’s memory to Grace Hospice or the Regina Humane Society.