It is with profound sadness, yet joy, we announce that Helen has embarked on the journey to be in the presence of her Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Helen passed away peacefully, Sunday morning, May 31st after celebrating her 100th birthday five weeks ago.
Helen is predeceased by her beloved husband of 28 years, John Franklin, by her parents John McLaren and Ellen Borland (Petrie) and by her brothers, Stewart McLaren of Ontario and John (Jack) McLaren of British Columbia. Helen is survived by the McLaren nieces, Joanna Aune, Marnie Murphy, Kathryn Fletcher, Mary Ellen Freeman and Margaret McLaren and the McLaren nephews, Robert, David and Stewart and her Maritime family of nieces, Debra Beveridge and Donna Laroque and nephews, John and Douglas Cleveland as well as many more great and great great nieces and nephews. Helen is also predeceased by her longtime friend, Cathie Ackman.
Helen was a calm, kind and endearing person who had strong Christian values and beliefs that sustained her all her life, especially in her later life challenges. She was a person of strong will, courage and integrity. She was a constant supportive force in the lives of her extended families from coast to coast and was keenly interested in their activities and accomplishments. Her youthful, undaunted approach to life and quick sense of humor brought many generations into her life. Our “Aunt Helen” will be forever in our hearts. She was an inspiration and a gift.
Born in St. Catharines, Ontario, Helen graduated from the Toronto General School of Nursing in 1942. She received her Bachelor of Nursing degree from the University of Western Ontario in 1956. Helen remained a proud Toronto General alumnus and treasured the fellowship of her many nursing friends.
After her marriage to Frank in 1959, Helen relocated to Halifax and became a true Maritimer. She had an association of many years with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. She was the president of Women for Music and a founding member of the Halifax Christian Women’s Club (Women’s Connection). Helen was a valued and long time member of Trinity Anglican Church.
The family would like to acknowledge and express their deep gratitude to her niece, Debra Beveridge, and her family for the attentive care provided to Helen over the years. We also acknowledge the dedication of her companion Christina who was a great comfort to the family.
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