HELEN BEATRICE MABEL TONN (BOWLEY)

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HELEN BEATRICE MABEL TONN (nee BOWLEY) Helen Tonn died peacefully, on Sunday, September 25, 2005 at the Victoria Hospital at the age of 89, following a brief illness and hospitalization. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Oscar in 1989 and her sister Phyllis Reade in 2004. She is survived by her sons, Robb (Susan Devine), and Karl (Joanne) and daughter Elaine Piamsalee (Narong/ Tai ) and by her five granddaughters, Sarah Dymund (Michael), Jennifer O'Brien (Danny), Megan Tonn, Alison Tonn, Nadine Piamsalee, one grandson Aron Piamsalee and great-granddaughter Rowan Dymund. She is also survived by her sister Audrey Tufford, (Fred), brothers-in-law, Tom Reade, John Creith and sisters-in-law, Lonnie Lynch and Caroline Tonn and by nieces and nephews. Helen lived a full and rich life. She and Oscar made many plans together but more importantly discovered their greatest adventures by always having the sense of curiosity and courage to take advantage of opportunity as it presented itself, no matter where it was to take them. Helen was born on May 3, 1916 in Winnipeg and graduated from Normal School, teaching initially in a one room school in East Selkirk and then in Winnipeg prior to her marriage in 1946. As was the policy at the time she lost her job on her marriage. Although they had initially hoped to farm, Helen and Oscar instead made their home in Fort Garry where they raised their family. However, Helen especially loved and understood small children and she returned to teaching in 1960 as a kindergarten teacher. Helen and Oscar's next plan was to build their dream home in the country. They moved to Ste. Agathe in 1963. Two years later the opportunity arose for the family to relocate to Thailand when husband Oscar was asked to be part of a University of Manitoba team assisting in the development of a new Thai University in Khon Kaen. Despite the fact that she had never travelled outside of North America, Helen unhesitatingly agreed to leave her new home and take her family to Thailand for three years. In Thailand she again worked as a teacher for the children of the Canadian team. After their Thai experience she and Oscar continued to explore the world through their love of travel, making friends around the world wherever they went. In 1986 they left for Xian, China to teach English, at the invitation of Chinese friends at the university there, taking with them only carry-on luggage for their six month stay. Helen returned to Ste. Agathe after China, living there first with Oscar until his death and afterwards with daughter Elaine and family. She continued to live with them in Winnipeg until her recent hospitalization. Helen also taught piano privately for many years and enjoyed music throughout her life. Along with her friend Rudy she even composed children's songs. She was an avid gardener and a longtime member of the Domain Women's Institute and of St. Paul's Anglican Church and A.C.W. With husband Oscar their Ste. Agathe home was a frequent meeting place for many South Asian students at the University of Manitoba. One of their friends from their stay in China, Minnesota writer Bill Holm dedicated his book about China entitled Coming Home Crazy, to Helen and Oscar describing them as my neighbours in China and friends who tried to fix everything with humour and patience and skill . Helen will be missed, but fondly remembered for those qualities. The family extends their thanks to Dr. Hayward and the Victoria Hospital Staff for their care and compassion during Helen's illness. Funeral services will take place on Friday September 30 at 12:00 p.m. at St. Paul's Anglican Church, 830 North Dr. at Point Road. Flowers are gratefully declined. If friends desire, donations may be made to the Victoria General Hospital Foundation, the St. Paul's Anglican Church Memorial Fund, CancerCare Manitoba or to a charity of one's choice. THOMSON IN THE PARK Funeral Home and Cemetery 1291 McGillivray Blvd - 925-1120

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 28, 2005