Helen Rose Smith (previously Shaw), nee Clements
Courageously, fighting and kicking old age and the finality of death since taking her first breath following her premature birth, in Toronto, August 25th, 1917, Helen passed away in her 101st year on July 12th, 2018.
Helen Rose was the beloved, attentive and resilient mother of two daughters, Gayle Helen Mann (who died in 2001) and Sandra Darlene Shaw, for whom a bright and guiding light has been extinguished. Nana/Nellebelle will be held dear and fondly in the hearts of her grandchildren and their partners, Sandra’s son Alexander (Todd Cove) and Gayle’s children Tami, Cydney and Paul and six great-grandchildren.
One of thirteen children born to Frederick and Anne Clements, Helen (affectionately known as Nell by some, Topsy by others) is survived by the youngest, Betty Lou, being predeceased by siblings Frederick, Anne, Alfred, Edward, William, Thomas, James, Alan, Ross, Rose, and David, first husband Alfred and later love William Ransom. In addition to her living sister, daughter, grandchildren and great grandchildren, also left to mourn are innumerable nieces and nephews – the ‘cousins by the dozens’ and their children and their children and their children.
Helen’s greatest joy was her family and she brought pride in kin to new heights. She was both a delight and a challenge, quick witted, opinionated and feisty until the end. A dynamo in a small package.
Helen graduated from Shaw Business School and worked for a large part of her life as an Executive Secretary/Assistant. She went on to entrepreneurial endeavours and was a silent but important model for women’s rights and equal place in the workforce.
Helen was still participating in extreme sports until well into her 90s – for her these were socialising, card playing, bargain hunting and worry. Helen made friends with ease and over the years developed long lasting and deep friendships as a result of her interest in people, her caring and loving demeanour and her engaging personality. She will be deeply missed by all those she loved and befriended and those who loved her and befriended her.
Family and friends will be received at Rod Abrams Funeral Home (1666 Tottenham Rd, Tottenham) on Friday, July 20th, 2018 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm and are invited to attend a special service to honour her life Saturday, July 21st , 2018 at 11:00 am. Reception following service.
Tributes and condolences may be left for the family at www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com
Gerald Norman says
Please accept my condolences. Helen was an amazing person on many levels!!
June Schwecke says
Dear Sandra and Alex and Betty. Been thinking a lot about Helen lately. I pass the condo building at least once a week. I shared lots of wonderful times with her at Sandycove on Mimosa Crescent with Lois and other neighbours. Sorry I can’t be there to share memories. All the best, June Schwecke
Shona McDiarmid says
Dear Sandee and all of Helen’s family,
Please accept my condolences on your sad loss. I did not know Helen when she was young, but I was always struck by her grace and beauty packaged with a feisty attitude and keen wit. Her 100th birthday was a lovely celebration of a life well lived. Helen not only seemed to love the garden party but also took evident joy in connecting with family and friends, taking time to smell the roses and provide compliments on summer dresses. That is how I shall remember her. She really was special.
With sympathy,
Shona
Shelley Ball says
Dear Sandee, Alex and all of Helen’s family,
Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss. I feel privileged to have known Helen over the past year. She never ceased to amaze me, with the stories of things she’s done, her sharp wit, and her incredible insights. When I met her for the first time at her 100th birthday party, I asked her what the biggest change is that she has witnessed over her lifetime. Was it the advent of air travel, the digital age or putting humankind on the moon? No, she said. It was how people had become so open and how easily people connected with each other. In reading the tribute to Helen, it’s very clear that she connected with many people and that many will feel this loss.
Sandee, I think losing our Mum is one of the hardest things we’ll ever experience in life. We lose a part of ourselves. Know that I am holding you, and Alex, in my thoughts at this difficult time. Your Mum was truly an inspiration to so many people and the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. Your Mum lives on in you.
Sending big, warm hugs of comfort to you, Alex, Todd and all of the family,
Shell xo
Helen Thompson says
What a privilege to have become acquainted with Helen ever the last few months. She and her two cats were always welcoming when I visited, and she had some wonderful advice from her many years of a well-lived life.
Many condolences; I’m so sorry to be unable to attend the service.
Judith Buzzell says
Remembering many glorious reunions with Helen at # 34. She was such a spunky, interested, loving lady inviting friendship with all. It was a pleasure to know her. I marvelled at her continuing spirit over the years and the strong bond shared with Sandee…very special.
With love and sympathy Sandee and Alex
Judy
Bill Saunders says
A terrific spirit, friendly,
assured, highly opinionated in
a most refreshing way with humor and experience to back it up.
Helen will be missed.
Condolences Alex and Sandy.
Bill Saunders
Cheryl Sarkissian says
Fond Memories of Aunt Nellie.
She will be dearly missed.
Thoughts and Prayers
Love Chuck,Phyl,Chuck Jr.,Cheryl and their familes.
Doris Burns says
Many many happy memories shared with such a feisty lady. I sure miss those stories – especially at this time of year of Helen’s perception of all the boats on Lake Simcoe. Doris xo
Fiona M Bladon says
Dear Sandee and Alex … It’s never easy to say farewell to someone so very magnificent as your own Helen Rose. Your tribute to her says so much, I wish I could have met her. What a gift to have had such as she in your lives. Mes condoleances.
Shelagh Stevens says
What a flamboyant lady. Is she pictured with the feather boa she sported at her 100th birthday party? Surely a day to remember. What a long and exciting life she had and what a privilege you were able to share so much of it.
With deepest sympathy
Shelagh
Carole Cholewicki says
Dear Sandra & Alex,
Henry & I are very sad to hear of your mother, grandmother,s passing. She was lovely, unique lady!
Deepest sympathy,
Carole & Henry
Joe Kargeradov says
Dear Sandy and Alex. So sorry to hear about Helen ‘s passing . My deapest sympathy to you both. At this time i am in Europe, unable to attend the service. I will get in touch by the end of July . Regards. Joe .
priscilla says
Sandee and Alex..
Sorry for your lost she will found her light again.she was one colourful person to be around she will be missed…well she made her 100th birthday she gone to see her family.
Love
Priscilla
Jean Stevens says
Sandee and Alex…so sorry to hear about your mom/ grandmother’s passing. She was quite unique. Think of her whale watching in the zodiac when she was 75. Put the breaks on getting old. She will be missed but lots of memories.
Love Jean and Dave
Paula Pedicelli says
Sandra and Family:
What more can anyone say about your mother? I’ve met her a couple of times. The first time was at the wonderful 90th birthday you had for her. Vibrant and engaging was my first reaction. Yes, inspiring and a role model for us women,
You are very fortunate to,have had her for so many years. What a gift she gave you during her life and now with her passing she bestowed you another magnificent gift. That is not to mourn but to live abundantly and freely as she did,
My deepest regrets and sympathies to you and yours.
Much love
Paula Pedicelli
Doug and Heather Burt says
Dear Sandee, Alex and all who loved this special lady.
While we did not know Helen really well she was one of those people one is lucky to meet occasionally who leaves you with the feeling “wow”, I wish I had met her when she was Thirty, I bet she tore up the world! We really, really enjoyed talking with her the few times we met. I always thought I would like to grab a bottle of wine and talk to her about just about anything. The Apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, Sandee. There is a lot of this marvellous person in you and I look forward to imagining how she must have been when we get together. She was special and I know you, Alex, your family and everyone who knew her will miss her.
Much love,
Doug and Heather.
Sue Brown says
Dear Sandra and Alex,
I feel privileged to have been a small part of Helen’s life for the past few years. She was all you described and a “hoot to boot”. I considered her a friend and will surely miss her stories and big presence. RIP dear lady.
Loving and Warm Wishes, Sue
Jean Fournier Johnson says
Dear Sandee,
I’m so sorry to hear of your mum’s death. I wish Wayne and I could be at her memorial, but we are out of town at a wedding. But I’ll be in touch when we return. Till then, know I’m thinking of you.
Love,
Jean
Ailene Mabee says
My deepest sympathy to Sandra, Betty and families. Come to know Helen when Bill and her became friends. We had alot of good times together,travelling and card games etc.We were great friends. I will miss her.