HEARN, Helen Jean (nee Harris)

After a rich and full life, Helen passed away peacefully on Tuesday,
October 1st, 2019, in her 98th year, surrounded by her loving family. Dear
mom of Gary (Irene), Terry (Lois) and Linda Crawford; grandma to Krista,
Katie, Jennifer, Jackelyn, Natalie and Darren; and GG to Finley and
Adrienne Bird, Raya and Edie Larson, and Sadie Beirnes.

Predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Edward Thomas (2006). Helen moved
from the family home that she and Ed shared for decades to Wellington Park
Terrace in 2017. In their retirement years, Ed and Helen focused on
travelling and family: opening their home to countless Saturday morning
coffee gatherings, Sunday dinners, birthday parties and family holiday
celebrations. At the Terrace, Helen proudly continued to host her family
for teas, crib games and even Thanksgiving dinner.

Always social, for over 50 years, Helen spent as much time as she could at
the family cottage she and Ed built at Go Home Lake. During those years
Helen managed the family dinners using a wood stove, an ice box and a
Coleman lantern. In her final years, she graduated to a microwave and cell
phone. She took great pleasure in bathing two generations, grandchildren
and great-grandchildren, in the kitchen sink. A summer baby herself, Helen
loved to swim at the Haunted Narrows home until her 90th birthday. She
continued to celebrate her birthday there until last summer. Helen loved
music and could often be heard joining in a Beatles’ chorus, enjoying an
old church hymn or making one up on her own. She also loved a good dance
party, whether as an active participant or later on, an enthusiastic
spectator.

Helen was a voracious reader with a sharp wit, a gifted baker known for a
“secret shortbread recipe” and a fervent knitter. She was always eager to
share her creations – from top notch apple pie and damson plum jam to doll
sweaters and dish cloths – and even more eager to share opinions...as any
one of her children or grandchildren can attest to.

Thank you to the staff at the Terrace for your care and attention during
those retirement home years. Helen found great comfort in her final days,
as did her family, in the care of the amazing staff and Dr. Cary Shafir at
Whispering Oaks, St. Joseph’s Health Centre, Guelph.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Gilbert MacIntyre and Son
Funeral Home in Guelph. A private family memorial will be held at a later
date