COLLINS _ Helen Lucille (nee Ekensteen) 1923 - 2007 Helen Lucille Collins of Calgary, passed away at Foothills Hospital on August 13, 2007 at the age of 83 years. Helen was born in Foremost, AB, she moved to Calgary as a young woman, and started her career with the Bank of Montreal. She met Laurie in 1945, and they were married in Banff in February of 1950. Helen was a devoted mother and took pride in raising their three children in Parkdale. She enjoyed spending time in her yard, loved to sew and was a member of "Calgary's Own, Golden Girls". She loved football, curling and hockey, and, you could never call her when the game was on. Helen and Laurie were members of No. 264 Legion and founding members of the Calgary Winter Club, where they made lasting friendships and spent quality family times. She is survived by three children, Darlene Henderson, Bob (Carole) Collins and Leslie (Gerry) Windle; seven grandchildren and three great-grandsons, all of Calgary. She will also be remembered by her sisters, Millie, Marian and Dot as well as many other relatives and friends. Helen was predeceased by her husband Laurie and her sister Florence. A backyard gathering of family and friends to celebrate Helen's life will be held at her Parkdale home on Sunday, August 19, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Osteoporosis Society of Canada, Alberta Chapter, No. 162, 1402 - 8 Avenue N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1B9 (Telephone 403-237-7022, www.osteoporosis.ca ) or the Canadian Diabetes Association, No. 204, 2323 - 32 Avenue N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 6Z3 (Telephone 403-266-0620, ext. 112, www.diabetes.ca ). To email expressions of sympathy: ccfsco@telusplanet.net, subject heading: Helen Collins. HERITAGE FUNERAL SERVICES "Calgary Crematorium Chapel" Telephone: 299-0111.