June 10, 1934 – July 7, 2022) Known fondly as Hilda to her friends, Helen passed away in Brockville after a short illness. In her 89th year, she was the beloved wife of the late Carl (Sept 15, 2015) for 62 years. Loving mother of late Karin (Oct 8, 2018) (Roger) of Sault, Ste. Marie, Eric (Natile) of Fort St. James, Craig of Kenora, Carol (Alain) of Brockville, Kevin of Blind River and Colin (Colleen) of Bolton. Special Grandmother to Heather (Joe), Jeffrey, Rachel, Alexander (Ashley), Benjamin, Matthew (Alex), Maxwell, Mitchell and Sarah. Special Great Grandmother to Alexis, Joey, Sasha and Emmett. Dear sister of the Late Bruce Fraser Johnston (Bunty). Special Aunt to Scott Johnston, Lisa Johnston-McKay, Sandi Johnston, Carla Warden and Peter Mitchell.
After birthing her tribe, Helen worked as a school bus driver before joining the Ministry of Natural Resources as a Secretary where she worked for over 20 years. Helen had a passion for flowers, golf, exploring Canada, meeting new people, having family home for visits and enjoying wine (not all in that order)! She also had a healthy sweet tooth. She was a long-standing member of the Order of the Eastern Star.
The family cottage was a treasured spot. Helen spent many afternoons looking out over Allen Lake enjoying the view from the deck. She loved the water and in her last 7 years, spent many hours enjoying the St. Lawrence River.
Cremation has taken place at the Irvine Funeral Home and Chapel in Brockville, ON. We will celebrate the life of Helen – our Mother, on July 30th 2022 at 10:00 am at St. Andrews United Church and the interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery Blind River with the Venerable Roberta Wilson-Garrett officiating. Light lunch to follow from St. Andrews United Church.
If desired, memorial donations gratefully accepted to The PRIMATES World Relief
and Development Fund ( pwrdf.org) or the Blind River Emergency Food Bank.