Helene was born in Battleford March 27, 1906, and received her schooling in that community. She taught school and then worked as a governess in California. She returned to take her arts degree at the University of Saskatchewan and taught in rural schools. She joined the universityís extension department in 1939, specializing in womenís extension. During her university years she took time out to obtain her mastersí degree in home economics at Montana State College.

She taught courses to rural women across the province, focusing on home management, clothing and extension. She was in demand as a speaker for Homemakersí clubs. Helene worked with the boysí and girlsí (4-H) movement and with farm boysí and girlsí camps.

She married Harold Ducie in 1949 and moved to the farm near Dundurn. Her organizing skills were evident as the Blackley Home-makers won many provincial awards for their projects. She taught classes in crafts, art work and tapestry as well as piano. When the Ducies moved to Saskatoon, she became consumer consultant to the Saskatoon Co-operative Association, a valuable resource for both rural and urban people. She encouraged better buymanship and better nutrition in meetings and radio, television and newspaper interviews.

Professionally, she was an active member of the Saskatchewan and Canadian Home Economics Associations. She died in 1988.