On July 27, Helen Clease, long time education advocate passed away at the age of 61; after a heroic battle with cancer.

Clease was serving her third term as Ward 4, Rocky View Schools (RVS) trustee for the Bragg Creek, Springbank and Redwood Meadows area before her passing.

Colleen Munro, Board Chair for RVS, says Helen's passing was quite sudden and her board colleagues were shocked by the news. The memorial was packed with hundreds of people who honoured and respected Helen's work and the impact she had on bettering education across the province.

"Helen was a fierce advocate for education not only in her own community but across the province when she served so ably for Alberta School Board Association  (ABSA) President. She always spoke her mind, she was articulate about speaking her mind, and she always voted with her heart."

Helen's interest in education began over 30 years ago as she produced and directed the award winning television programming for organizations such as Access Alberta, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the University of Calgary and co-produced the Easter Seals Telethon.

Passionate about her community, Clease also served as a member for County of Rocky View Reeve’s Task Force, Springbank Association, and vice-president of the Bragg Creek Community Association.

Trustees from all over the province representing both the public and separate school systems, Jackie Hanson the Executive Director of Alberta School Councils' Association, ABSA staff, RVS staff from the Education Centre, and former principals all came out to celebrate a life that Alberta education will mourn.

Donations in memory of Helen Clease can be made to the Cochrane & Area Humane Society.