Helen Theresa Brinley

 Helen Theresa Brinley (Buryan), known by many as “GB” or “Doh” born May 24, 1940, passed away peacefully on Saturday April 4, 2026 at St. Michael’s Palliative Care Center in Lethbridge, AB at the age of 85. She is preceded by her parents Theresa and Steve Buryan, her brother Steven Buryan, and her daughter Terranova Potvin. She’s survived by her son-in-laws Paul McNamara of Texas and Marcel Potvin of Lethbridge; Granddaughters Bryanne Shott (Cory), Stephany Potvin, and Samantha Otte (Jared); along with her great-grandchildren Brooke, Sophia, Taylor, Reese, Arabella, Oakley, Gemma, Josie, and Isla (“Teeny-tiny”).

Helen was born in Edmonton, AB, adopted by her parents and raised alongside her brother on a small acreage in Lethbridge, AB. After finishing high school, Helen met Bill Brinley at the Lethbridge pool, where he worked as a lifeguard. Over the next few years they married, and welcomed their daughter Terranova in July of 1964. Though they later separated, Helen remained devoted to her family and never remarried.

She started her career as a bus driver for Lethbridge public transit in 1976. Throughout her dedicated years, Helen achieved many milestones such as the title of safest driver for 17 consecutive years, reflecting her careful, steady, and responsible character. She enjoyed competing in the “Roadeo,” racing buses through various obstacle courses, and loved competing for first place as the fastest driver. She retired proudly after nearly 30 years, and would still often tell tales of her wild bus driving days and memorable passengers.

After retiring from her pioneering career in transit, Helen continued to greet the public warmly as a white hat greeter at the Calgary Airport. Helen had the gift of gab, she made friends everywhere she went. She loved to tell stories of her adventures. Her friendly smile and outgoing personality left a lasting impression. Helen was a devoted animal lover, who never missed an opportunity to admire a passing dog. She especially cherished her dog Snuggie, whom she carried everywhere in a wicker basket. Over the years, she also cared for many cats—at one point sharing her home with 15 of them. Furthermore, she was a talented seamstress, and lovingly created costumes for her grandchildren’s dance performances and events. She was also a proud supporter of the Fort Whoop Up Black Powder Gun Club. Helen was an avid reader of harlequin romance books. She completed thousands of crossword puzzles, and loved to write down personalized license plates in a little notebook. Helen had an extensive wardrobe and purse collection that she cherished, always having dangly earrings and long colorful fingernails to match. She loved a good milkshake, or a coca-cola to drink, as long as it wasn't a diet.

Every year, Helen traveled to Houston, Texas for many months at a time, to live and travel with her daughter Terra and son-in-law Paul. She frequented the Houston Zoo, where she claimed to know all the animals by name, and loved attending Rodeo events and country music concerts. She enjoyed watching live theatre, anything from broadway shows to the Country Music Awards. Helen would attend Texas A&M football games, being blown away by the enormity of it all every single time. She was also lucky enough to visit many destinations with Terra, including Las Vegas, California, Hawaii, Graceland, Disneyworld and more. She often summed up her adventures with a smile, saying, “Been there, done that.” Helen and Terra would frequent a Tex Mex restaurant called Escalante’s, where they both enjoyed a golden margarita on the rocks.

Helen will be remembered for her recognizable laugh, her vibrant and expressive long nails, her absolute love of the color purple, her ability to strike up a conversation with anyone, her dedication to her transportation career, and the warmth she brought to every role she held — as a trailblazer, mother, grandmother, and friend.

In accordance with Helen’s wishes, there will be no formal service. She will be laid to rest with her daughter Terra at a later date. Her family finds comfort in knowing they are reunited, likely sharing golden margaritas as they watch over those they love.

Helen will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched.

Until we meet again.