She was born in Halifax, the third daughter of the late Dr. Donald and Gladys (Wade) MacRae.
After receiving her early education in Halifax, she trained as an RN at the Victoria General Hospital, graduating in the class of 1965A. She initially worked in the Recovery Room before moving to Burlington, Vermont, to work in intensive care, later returning home to work in the Emergency Department.
Through the Emergency she developed a huge interest in drug research. She facilitated liaison between Toronto's Alcohol and Drug Addiction Research Foundation and the Clarke Institute of Psychiatry. This proved to be a happy mix and the Metabolic Unit was established where she continued involvement with alcohol and marijuana studies. At that time she also was initiated in the newly emerging world of computer-generated data collection. This became a springboard into clinical research, an involvement which continued over the years.
Returning to Halifax, she coordinated Gyne-Oncology Clinical Trials which led to the foundation of a provincial health care registry. Having computer science and business courses, she furthered her education at Dalhousie, achieving a Certification in Public Administration.
She then worked with the Canadian Study of Health and Aging, and, remaining with Gerontology, coordinated dementia trials. She attained Certified Clinical Coordinator designation when first offered in NS, before leaving in 1996 to work as a clinical research associate in Atlantic Canada.
Her writing hobby became evident in the 1970s, when writing patient education materials and departmental papers to help secure grant funds. Articles promoting equestrian sports found their way to print, and in 1998, she collaborated with others to produce two business magazines for the Community Business Development Corporation. She enjoyed her volunteer work with the Red Cross and Emergency Services (amateur radio operator), and a trip to Scotland researching her Scottish heritage. Most who knew her, knew of her great love of animals whether they were equine, canine, feline, or feathered.
Classmates have suggested these words about Helen: “stay connected, loyal, compassionate, kind, full of fun/life, so many interests”.
Helen is survived by her four sisters, Libby Douglas, Dr. Donna Curry (Dr. John), Mary Pellerin (Gordon), Dr. Peggy Leighton (Dr. Ross), Aunt Betty Pettet, eleven nieces and nephews, and twelve grand nieces and nephews.
Cremation has taken place.
Visitation will be 2:00 – 4:00pm and 7:00 – 9:00pm on Thursday, June 1 at Snow’s Funeral Home on Lacewood Drive.
A memorial service will be held at Calvin Presbyterian Church, 3311 Ashburn Aveue, at 2:00pm on Friday, June 2. Interment at a later date.
Family flowers only. Contributions in memory of Helen may be sent to a charity of your choice.
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