Helena of Skövde was a 12th-century Swedish saint and philanthropist who served as a patron for the region of Västergötland. Born in Skövde, she lived a life of piety after being widowed at a young age, choosing to support the poor and fund the construction of the local church. Following a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, she was murdered in Götene by a relative of her son-in-law. She was later canonized by Pope Alexander III and is celebrated as the first Swedish nun to receive such recognition.