May 3, 1932 - November 21, 2024
Our beloved Mother, “Nonie,” aunt, and friend, Helen Anne Berlando (née Looten) passed away peacefully at the Drumheller Health Centre with family by her side on November 21, 2024, at the age of 92 years.
Helen was born on May 3, 1932, in Drumheller, Alberta to parents Jeanne and Henri Looten. She had three older siblings: Jeanne, Henry, and Johnny. When she was four years old, her family returned to France—where their ancestors were from—for a few months but came back to Canada before the onset of World War II. Helen’s mother, having survived World War I, could feel the war coming. After they returned to Drumheller, her father built a new home in Newcastle overlooking the Red Deer River and worked as a miner and mechanic.
In 1953, Helen married the love of her life, Roger Berlando. They enjoyed over 61 years together raising their three sons, Dwayne, Perry, and Darrell. Roger initially worked in the Star Mine, and they later moved so he could work in the Alberta Hotel in Rosedale. They went on to own and run the Rosedale Hotel for three years. After selling the hotel, the family moved to Drumheller. Helen enjoyed many jobs and excelled at everything she did, including bookkeeping and Secretary-Treasurer for St Anthony’s School.
As a young lady, Helen loved spending time with her girlfriends—walking uptown and in the hills of the Badlands and going out to the movies. One of her early joys was riding the first girl’s bike her brother Henry brought back from his time serving in the War. Later, Helen developed a love for curling that never faded. After she no longer played the sport, she continued to watch it with enthusiasm. Helen adored her friends and belonged to her cherished card group that faithfully got together biweekly for fun and fellowship. Helen’s passion for travelling was ignited after she took a trip to Europe with her older sister Jeanne. She went on to explore other locations with friends and family, journeying as far as Taiwan with her son and daughter-in-law to visit her granddaughter. She also enjoyed baking and visiting casinos, but her favourite activity was spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren—especially bringing them together to celebrate family occasions.
Beyond all that she did for her family and friends, Helen believed in fostering community and was an active volunteer and Catholic, volunteering with the CWL for over 60 years. She valued visiting community members at the lodge, hospital, and Continuing Care to help with mass. Helen received a certificate of Honour for her contributions to the Drumheller District Health Services (DDHS).
She will be missed by her sons, Dwayne (Laura Lee) and Darrell (Laurie); daughter-in-law, Tish; grandchildren, Maria (Tyler), Michele (Luc), Amy (Jordan), Jeremy, Ashley (Ross), Liana (Aaron), Nicole (Jack), Talon (Teryn), and Tarren (Corey); 17 great-grandchildren and one more on the way; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Besides her loving husband, Roger Berlando, Helen was predeceased by her son, Perry, her parents, Henri and Jeanne Looten; siblings, Jeanne Pallesen Fields, Henry Looten, and Johnny Looten; as well as many other friends and family.
A Prayer Service will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 28, 2024, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Parish 151 3 St W, Drumheller. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 29, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Parish. A reception and lunch will follow the service at the St. Anthony’s Parish Hall.
