January 23, 1923 to September 15, 2015
Helen passed away peacefully surrounded by her family after a brief illness. She was predeceased by her husband, of 59 years, Jim. She is survived by her sons, David, Kenneth and daughter Sheena (Dawn); grandchildren, David (Hayley), Cameron (Candace), Sarah (Chris), Laura, Heather (Justin); nine great-grandchildren and numerous family in Canada, Scotland and Australia. Helen was born in Broxburn, West Lothian, Scotland and emigrated with her family to Victoria in 1958. Helen worked for the Ministry of Health until she retired and was a long-time member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Queen City Chapter No. 5.
The family would like to thank Dr. Naseem and the caring and compassionate nursing staff of 8 South at the Royal Jubilee Hospital. We would also like acknowledge Linda Bishop and all the staff at Highgate Lodge for their loving care of Mom over the past six years.
A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 pm in McCall’s Floral Chapel, Johnson & Vancouver Streets, with a reception to follow on Monday, September 21. In lieu of flowers, donations in Helen’s memory to the Canadian Red Cross are encouraged. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
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Deborah Coburn
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Carol Halvorson My condolences to Helen’s family. It was a joy to meet Helen at the Thursday morning strolls at Willows Beach, to visit with her as she enjoyed the beauty of the ocean, and shared memories. A long time member of the Summer Strollers at First Metropolitan United; she will be much missed.
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arlene anderson What a lovely, committed strong woman she was. I am one of the people from First Met that picked up Helen each week in summer for a walk and tea at Willows beach. This summer she did not walk far and indicated “she just wasn’t her self,” but she always did her best to keep going. I enjoyed her company. She was an inspiration.
My thoughts to Helen’s family and friends. Many years ago when I was a single parent Helen hired me to work in Out of Province Claims. I could just past the typing test ( terrible speller and still am) and had a hard time typing up form letters without any mistakes. They were carpon paper on an old fashioned typewriter. My garbage can was full ! Helen gave me a chance when I really needed a job. I know I drove her crazy with my short attention span and talking way too much but she always had a smile for me at the end of the day. I worked with Helen until she retired. I just wanted to let you all know how good she was to me. I felt like I knew her family as she talked about David and Sheena daily with such pride. Sincerely, Deborah Coburn ( Debbie Marsh).