Helen Beatrice Atkins

Helen Beatrice Atkins (neé Kleinschmidt) passed away peacefully on November 5, 2024, surrounded by love. Helen was the beloved wife of the late Aubrey Atkins, loving mother of Gary (Lyn), Renee (Ben), Craig (Cathy) and Karen (Jeffrey). Helen will be sadly missed by her granddaughters Kayla (Anthony), Jaclyn and Kiana. Predeceased by her youngest granddaughter, Alison. She is survived by her great grandchildren, Lucas and Kaiden. She will be fondly remembered by her sisters in law, brothers in law, extended family and dear friends. Helen was the proud and protective sister of the late Robert and Rosalie.

Helen was a devoted, loving wife, and eventually caregiver to Aubrey. He brought a smile to her face and a twinkle to her eye. They have now reunited in Heaven. Not even in death do they part.

Helen was born in Cape Town; home to two oceans, Table Mountain, flowers, vineyards, beaches, lions and elephants. She was an avid traveler and even got to travel the world twice. Many of her albums were from vacations all over the world and she named Portugal as her favourite country to visit.

Helen was a designer and dressmaker, employed by many of the fashionistas in South Africa. Her dedication to her craft was clear in the fact that she was allergic to tulle, which was the main material used to create volume under gowns. Her employees were her friends and family, many of whom wore her works of art on their wedding days. When Helen immigrated to Canada, her dressmaking became more of a passion, to make way for opening up her own home daycare. She took care of her own kids and grandkids, and many neighbourhood children. She only charged the families $1 a day.

Helen loved music in all capacities; listening, singing, and dancing. She would often play a few chords on the piano, but she always dreamt of being an opera singer. Her love of music and dance coupled with her appreciation of family and friends, became great excuses to throw big parties. Her parties usually lasted for two days straight. She loved to cook and to host. And somehow, she did it all while dressed beautifully like Jackie Kennedy.

Above all, Helen was the family Matriarch. A torch that has now been passed on to Renee Atkins. Helen was deeply loving and fiercely protective of her children, grandchildren, and especially her great grandchildren (or more aptly known as her hide and seek buddies and balloon ball teammates). To them, Helen was known fondly as “Nan” or “Nanny”. She would check them if they were naughty, but she would always support them and reiterate her loving words of affirmation.

A Viewing will be held on Thursday November 14, 2024, from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm, at the Kane-Jerrett North York Funeral Home at 6191 Yonge St, South of Steeles Ave.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday November 23, 2024, at St. Matthew's the Apostle Oriole Anglican Church at 80 George Henry Blvd, North York at 11:00 am. Flowers may sent directly to the church if desired.

If desired, please consider a memoriam donation to St. Matthew the Apostle Oriole Anglican Church.

Helen will be deeply missed by her family and friends throughout the world.