Helen Barrett

With profound sadness, the Barrett and Auby families mourn the loss of our mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. Helen Lillian, age 95 yrs. died peacefully on Saturday, 21 January, 2017. A gentle woman of goodness and kindness, always growing in faith, hope and love. Only daughter of the late Theodore (Ted) and Mabel (MacKenzie) Auby of Woodside, N.S. She was predeceased by her brother, Edward ('68), his wife, Ruth (2000) and their son, Bobby ('09).

Helen's loving husband, J. Davis (Dave) Barrett, died in 1998, following the many joys, adventures, and difficulties shared over 58 years of marriage. The depth of her sorrow was compounded in 2008, with the deaths of her two sons, David (60) in April and Jim (66) in August. Her deep and abiding faith was of tremendous comfort.

Helen and Dave were founding members of St. Pius X Parish; where she generously shared her time , talent and treasure. A member of the Victoria General Hospital Auxiliary, she looked forward to bringing flowers to the patients and being a cashier in the 'Tea Room'. In the greater community she was a member of the Lion's Club, I.O.D.E, Mayflower Curling Club, Park Victoria Health Club, the Royal N.S, Yacht Squadron, and the Ostomy Halifax Society. She truly enjoyed her bowling days, travelling to Florida in the winter, the special times cherished at the cottage in Beaver Harbour, meeting families who lived there for generations; special family celebrations, the good and kind neighbours over the years, especially on Sunnybrae Avenue. Helen appreciated meeting new people and contributing to her community. For many years she expressed her talent in the making of beautiful crafts, which were donated to many church and community events. She loved her family in her own quiet ways.

Family and friends left to grieve are daughter, Barbara at home; 'living with a mum of such faith, kindness and generosity was a privilege and a blessing'. Helen's daughters-in law: Paulette, mother of grandchildren, Denise Marie, Pamela Jane (Jody), and Paul; Dorothy (Dee) stepmother. Special nieces and nephews, Marlene (Forbes) Keating, Sandra (John) Gale, Gary (Shirley) Auby and Dorothy Auby. Lindsay (Jeff) Currie and great-grand nephews, Spencer and Oliver; Carrie (Corey) Blenkhorn; Sister-in law, Rita Gray and son Wayne.

Thursday, 26 January, visitation at J A Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Hfx. will be from 2:00 –4:00pm and 6:00 – 8:00pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, 27 January at 10:30 am, Saint Benedict Parish, 45 Radcliff Dr; celebrant, Rev. James Mallon.

Family flowers only...a memorial donation may be made to Ostomy Halifax Society (special fund for children attending summer camp), The Saint Benedict Parish Building Fund or a charity of your choice. Very special thanks and appreciation to the Medical/Nursing Team of 8.1 Halifax Infirmary, the PATH Team, Geriatric Assessment Unit Medical/Nursing team, 9 Lane, Abbie J. Lane Hospital site, QEII Health Sciences Centre for their competence in providing quality palliative and comfort care.

Helen died a peaceful and pain free death, in the presence of a loving and faith-filled family. Our sincere gratitude...