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Born on a farm near Cavendish, PEI, Helen became a teacher, first in a one room school with grades one to ten and later in Summerside where she met Sinc, her loving husband of almost sixty years. As an Air Force wife, she moved first to Comox, then Halifax, Metz France, Comox again, Toronto, Beausejour MB, Toronto again, Ramstein and Heidelberg Germany, then, subsequent to military life to Brussels before retiring to Comox. Helen taught in many of these places and continued her studies in education and European art history. She embraced every relocation with enthusiasm and was especially delighted with our lengthy European postings. Her motto was “Grow where you’re planted” and as soon as she became settled in a new location she would turn her attention to helping new arrivals to become comfortable in their fresh surroundings. A gourmet cook, she loved preparing and hosting elegant dinner parties, which she often livened up by playing the piano or organ to lead singing. Her fluent French and proficient German broadened our social lives and greatly enhanced the pleasure of our continuous travels throughout Europe. In retirement Helen continued the skiing she had begun in Europe dived into the home renovation project, took up golf and always caught more salmon than anyone else in the boat. She joined bridge clubs and church choir and, with her innate compassion became a Healing Touch practitioner, volunteering her services in the community, The Views in St Josephs Hospital, and the Courtenay Pain Clinic. A few years ago Helen suffered an illness which took her to the brink of death. Through superb treatment and care she was given back to us. Though her brilliance was dimmed, she remained classic Helen, still wintering and golfing in California, tending her garden and flowers, and still striving to make all around her happy. Helen is survived by her loving husband Sinclair, daughter Jennifer, son Sean and his wife Mona, and grandchildren Christopher, Nicholas, Corrine and Carter. We are all so very grateful to this wonderful lady who graced our lives with so much joy, beauty and love. Mass of Christian Burial will take place from Christ the King Roman Catholic Church on Friday, May 26th, 2017 at 11:00 am with Father Marek Paczka Celebrant, followed by cremation.



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