Helena Lorraine Burke

Helena Lorraine (D’Eon) Burke, age 82, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2017 in Halifax. Born in West Pubnico, she was a daughter of the late Vincent and Lena (d’Entremont) D’Eon, and she was the last remaining member of her immediate family.

Helena moved to Halifax at age 18 to work, and there met her Husband, Joe. Together they had three boys. They moved to Shelburne in 1973 where the boys grew up and Helena worked at Roseway Hospital. She became part of the fabric at St. Thomas’ Parish where she taught religious education, worked on marriage preparation courses, was religious education coordinator, was a Eucharistic minister, a sacristan, and was awarded the Diocesan Medal of Merit. They later returned to Halifax to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Helena had a kind and generous spirit, and always put the needs of others before her own. She was welcoming and engaging to everyone that she met. Through life, her strong faith nourished her and was an inspiration to many. During her illness, her faith sustained and comforted her, and her family and friends.

Helena was full of energy, enjoying square dancing and exercise classes. Even in her 70’s she could outpace most 20 year olds on her daily walks. She loved to deliver a good wise crack and could take one, too. She was always there to look after the grandchildren whenever it was helpful, and wouldn’t hesitate to get on the floor to play. She never arrived empty handed and was always at the ready with home baked cookies and “Grandmere” muffins. Helena was always happy to share a glass of wine with friends or family, and wine making even became a hobby.

Helena is survived by her husband Joseph; her son Norman, his wife Karen and their children Matthew, Alex and Patrick; her son Andrew, his wife Christine and their children Nathan, Jordan, Aaron and Caroline; her son Michael, his wife Carmen and their children Ryan and Michaela; and many nieces, nephews and friends. She was predeceased by brothers, Anselm, Vincent, Lin, Leon and Reginald, and sisters, Geraldine, Adele and Anne Marie.

Visitation will be Thursday, June 29 from 6-9pm at J.A Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax with a Mass of Christian burial at 11 am Friday, June 30 at Saint Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church, 6476 Bayer’s Road, Halifax, with reception to follow in the church hall. Family interment to follow. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Ovarian Cancer Canada, Hospice Halifax or to a charity of choice. Thanks to Helena’s “angels” in the palliative care unit of the VG Hospital in Halifax.

Mom showed us how we should conduct ourselves in life, and those lessons continued through the final stages of her illness. She lived for five years with a disease that tries to rob you of your dignity. In the end it took away her life but never once did it tarnish her faith or her spirit. She will be missed but never forgotten.