Cheryl Helgason

HELGASON - Cheryl Dawn Edith Helgason
(December 2, 1962 – February 14, 2023)

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our daughter and sister in Vancouver, B.C. following a courageous battle with cancer.  Cheryl was born in Beausejour, Manitoba and moved with the family through various small towns in Saskatchewan before winding up in Kindersley where she graduated high school with honours. She was active in many sports with curling being a particular favorite.  She attended the University of Saskatchewan where she earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in biochemistry before moving to Edmonton to complete her Doctorate at the University of Alberta. Cheryl then moved to Vancouver to work at the BC Cancer Agency where she dedicated her career to fighting the disease which ultimately took her from us. She wrote numerous papers, attended conferences around the world, and there is no doubt her research has helped to save many lives.

When Cheryl wasn’t busy with her work you could almost guarantee she had an animal with her.  Cats, dogs, she loved them all and they all loved her! Having fought and beaten breast cancer already, Cheryl stood strong in the face of a bone cancer diagnosis that was terminal.  She lived every day and loved those around her.  She tried to always take in the beauty that life had to offer her.  One of her favourite times of year was when the cherry blossoms were in full bloom.

Cheryl leaves to mourn her father Gary, brothers JR and Keith (Tami), nephew Gary Junior, nieces Eliana-Mai and Lena, as well as many close friends who became family to her over the years.