HELEN: Helen Barbara Luyben (Kuc) May 31, 1932 – December 31, 2025 Helen Luyben passed away peacefully on December 31, 2025, at the age of 93, while residing at the Cut Knife Special Care Home. Helen grew up in Rose Valley, Saskatchewan, where she met and married Bernie Luyben. Through Bernie’s work as an educator, Helen lived in a variety of communities across the province, including the North, adapting to many places and seasons of life. Helen had a strong creative sense and an eye for design. Together with her husband, Bernie, she owned the Blue Bird Shoppe in Rose Valley, where they sold beautiful clothing. Years later her work expanded into home design-she designed and sewed draperies and bedding, worked in the drapery division at Simpsons-Sears, sold furniture at The Hudson’s Bay, and later managed an interior design shop, Decor Vision, in Saskatoon. She took pride in creating and selecting beautiful pieces and in shaping welcoming spaces. Helen is survived by her daughters: Byrna Luyben-Cronk (Lyle Cronk), Kimberley Kennard, and Lee Luyben-Switzer (Ian Switzer). She is also survived by her grandchildren: Sani Bellegarde; Ezra Bellegarde (Courtney); Brianne Fedler (Ty); Ruth Thongdee (Kann); Karl James (Annie); Robert James (Kayti); Kory James (Alysha); Christopher Luyben; and Cassandra Switzer (Randy), as well as her great-grandchildren: Helayna, Byrnie, Easton, Jennie, Cayl, Shay, Olivia, Devyn, Alexandra, Zoe, Layla, Charlotte, Brooklynn, Cali, and Philip. Helen is further survived by her sister, Marcella Hurion (Jerry); her sister-in-law, Lois Pitzel; many nieces and nephews; and numerous dear friends. Helen was predeceased by her husband, Bernie; her parents, Philip and Sannie Kuc; her sisters, Mary, Pauline, Ann, and Alice; her brother, Michael; their spouses; her son, Kelly; Bernie’s parents, Orval and Muriel Luyben; her sister-in-law, Muriel and husband Ray; and her brother-in-law, Gerry. A private family gathering will be held in the summer to honour Helen’s life.
