Born on June 17th 1927, on Dominion street in Whitney Pier, she was the daughter of the late Norman MacDonald and Malinda (Schlorf). Mom was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She was a member of St. Mary’s Parish, East Bay. She graduated from New Waterford Consolidated Hospital as an R.N. in 1949 and worked at Camp Hill Veterans Hospital in Halifax and later at St. Rita’s Hospital in Sydney but left the profession to raise her children. She continued to use her nursing skills by attending to the cuts and bruises of her children and neighborhood children. After Dad and Mom met, Dad would court Mom by taking her to “The Snack Bar”in Sydney Forks on weekends. On one of their trips they spotted a piece of property in “THE FORKS”. This is where Dad built their home and together they raised their seven children. Mom continued to live there until her death.
Mom was the best. An unselfish, gentle soul always putting the needs of others ahead of her own and providing a helping hand whenever required. She had a natural grace, a quick wit that would give us a good laugh and was always up for an adventure. At the age of 72, Mom, Gerald, Keith, Doreen and Linda made a road trip to Boston to see Bruce Springsteen in concert. She enjoyed day trips to the beach and the annual birthday party in Boisdale for her sister, Margie, with her Aunt Mary, Marie and Casey. She was dedicated to her family and always gave us the freedom to be who we wanted to be. On sunny summer days mom could be found in the yard, tending to her window boxes, rose bushes, lilacs & daffodils. She would always be there with a cold compress on feverish nights, a warm blanket on a cold night and a reassuring hug whenever needed. At the end of the school day it would be common to come home to the smell of fresh baking, famous for her homemade fat Archie’s with the neighbourhood kids. She had a heart of gold and taught her children to be kind and compassionate towards others. She loved to read, skating on the lake in winter and going for drives. We are all very blessed, thankfully, and proud to be able to call her Mom and Grandma.
“See you in the funnies”, mom.
The family would like to thank Dr. Steven MacDougall and staff for their exceptional care over the years, the employees of Cape Breton County Homemakers Agency, especially Sharon and Suzanne and V.O.N. for their many visits to see mom.
Surviving are her three daughters, Helen (Gerard Currie), Westmount, Linda (Everett Lewis), Abbotsford B.C., Karen (Marcel Murray) Edmonton, AB; four sons, Gerald, Glenn, both of Sydney Forks, Kevin (Debbie), Howie Centre, Keith (Doreen), Lantz; 10 grandchildren, Stephanie Rose, Cory, Joshua, Nathan, Matthew, David, Peter, Jacob, Ben and Gabe; 4 great grandchildren and Cousin, Marie Rocznik, Winnipeg.
Helen was pre-deceased by her husband, Gerald (Jerry); her parents; her brother, Norman MacDonald and her sister Margaret (Margie) MacDonald.
As per her wishes, there will be no visitation.
Funeral mass will be held at 10 am on Friday, Jan. 13 at Holy Redeemer in the Pier, with Fr. P. Murphy officiating. Interment will take place at St. Mary’s Parish Cemetery, in East Bay at a later date. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.twcurry.com.
Donations may be made to Canadian Cancer Society or charity of choice.
