Helen Ponto of Medicine Hat, beloved wife of the late Norman Ponto, passed away on Friday, November 7, 2025, at the age of 97 years.  Helen leaves to cherish her memory one daughter, Terry (Dwain) Pederson of Medicine Hat; one son, Gordon Ponto of Medicine Hat; five grandchildren, Jaime, Trevor, Trent, Tyler and Stephan; five great grandchildren, Presley, Jordyn, Paisley, Jonah, Lexi and also; her sister, Irene Milligan of Saskatoon, SK as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her husband, Norman Ponto, her parents, Joseph and Anna Zawalsky; one daughter-in-law, Janice Ponto; four sisters, Louise Gessner, Mary Thom, Olga Holliday, and Ann Esterer; two brothers, Ivan Zawalsky and Michael Zawalsky, as well as her special companion of 23 years, Sidney Penley. 
Helen was born in 1928 in Zhoda, Manitoba. When she was an infant, her family moved to Sandwith, Saskatchewan, where she grew up and attended school. After school, she  moved to North Battleford to work at the Notre Dame Hospital as a nurses aide.  This is where she met and married her husband Norman Ponto.  They eventually moved to Medicine Hat with their two children.  Helen was employed as a cashier at the Taylor’s IGA for 28 years until she retired.  Family was always the most important part of Helen’s life. She was so proud of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Helen really enjoyed retirement. She was an avid traveller, visiting nine different countries in Europe as well as taking many trips to California.  She had many close friends, with whom she enjoyed many rounds of golf and going to the theatre. She began her special relationship with Sid in 2000, and they had spent 23 years together before he passed away earlier this year. 

A private family service will take place later this month.