Obituary of Helen Steadman

Helen Kathleen Steadman was born May 20, 1928 to Arthur and Kathleen McCracken of Lougheed, Alberta. She passed away at home on March 4, 2013. Raised on the McCracken farmstead north of Lougheed, she was an only child, which would influence her desire to raise a large family of her own. She attended Park School and graduated from Sedgewick Central High. Helen trained as a teacher and taught for two years before marrying Ernest Steadman from Battle Bend on July 12, 1950. Helen and Ernie embarked on a life long journey centered around the farm in Battle Bend and their family. To this marriage, five children were born: Gary (Wendy), Lynn (Janet), Kathleen, Karen (Edward), and Allan (Jodi). Fourteen grandchildren were born into the Steadman Family increasing Helen's joy with each and every addition: Danton, Laura, Andrew, Terry, Braden, Timothy, Bradley, Kensey, Lawrence (2002), Kevin, Regan, Eric, Jennalee, and Linden. In addition, two great grandchildren, Seth and Sadie, rounded out her life. Helen returned to teaching, first at the Alliance School and then at Lougheed School. She retired from teaching in 1989, remaining active on the farm and in the community. Her greatest devotion was to her family, always there, greeting everyone with open arms, a big smile and a plate of cookies. No one ever left her home without having a drink or something to eat. In 2009, Helen and Ernie moved from Battle Bend to Sedgewick and continued to enjoy large family events throughout the years. Helen remained active in the community until her final day. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Ernie. Helen will be laid to rest in a private burial at the Battle Bend Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to a come-and-go, open house, at the Lougheed Hall on Friday, March 8 at 1:30 p.m. to remember Helen. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Sedgewick Fire Fighters or Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation.