HELEN GAYNER (PURCHASE)

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HELEN GAYNER (nee PURCHASE) At Elisabeth Bruyère Health Centre, Ottawa, ON, on Friday, September 22, 2006. So much to say about Helen: daughter of Mabel and Alg Purchase; sister to John, Gerald, Greg and Ross. She forged her own path as she graduated from the University of Manitoba, went teaching in rural Manitoba with her life-long friend Babs, was an executive assistant in TCA's offices in Montreal, married Bob as he embarked on his career as Trade Commissioner and Ambassador, and bore and raised Bill, Michael and Mary, in addition to helping Charlotte through some of her early years. Over the years Helen offered so many Canadian visitors welcome and refuge in her home in Manila, Sao Paulo, Wellington, Moscow, Baghdad and Chicago, while representing Canada with dignity and humour. Home in Canada, Helen enjoyed great success in Ottawa as a Royal-Lepage real estate agent and volunteered with the Sisters of Charity at their Center for Immigrants and Refugees. Above all she loved her role as Nana to Emma. She loved and was grateful for her daughter-in-law Gana and son-in-law Chris. A life well lived in her own inimitable way. She will be missed by all who knew her and loved forever by her family. We live in the confidence that God will welcome her as one of His own. Friends may visit at the Central Chapel of Hulse, Playfair McGarry, 315 McLeod St., Ottawa (613-233-1143) from 2:00 p.m.to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 26. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at the Sisters of Charity's Chapel, 25 Bruyère St., Ottawa at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 27, 2006. Helen's family is profoundly grateful for the many prayers and wishes of her friends. Particular thanks to Sylvia Gill for her many acts of kindness and love. We are grateful too for the wonderful care provided by Dr. Farncombe and her colleagues. Condolences / donations at mcgarryfamily.ca.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 25, 2006