HELEN BETTY MCMULLEN

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HELEN BETTY MCMULLEN Helen Betty McMullen, died November 29, 2007 after a long illness. She was 93. Born May 17, 1914 to Helen (Nelly) and George Cargill, in Rivers, MB, Helen grew up and lived all her life in Transcona, and although she and her beloved husband, Melvin, whom she married on August 5, 1939, traveled widely, they spent their married life in the well-known pink house around the corner from where she was raised. Helen's innate joy, her compassion, and commitment to the community were evident to all, and particularly in her activities with the Rebekahs and Odd Fellows, on both the local and international levels. On the international level, through the Sovereign Grand Lodge and the International Association of Rebekah Assemblies, her major contributions included being a long-standing, active committee member on the World Eye Bank and Visual Research Committee. Helen, an excellent organizer, was Chairman of the Manitoba Host Committee for the International Sessions, held in Winnipeg in 1983. On the local level, Helen became a member of Confidence Rebekah Lodge #40 in 1935, and served in several offices of her Lodge, including Noble Grand in 1943. She served as President of the Rebekah Assembly of Manitoba, 1964 to 1965. Helen was also on the Planning Board for the Golden Links Personal Care Home and later served on the Board of Directors. Helen was also one of the three founders of the Theta Rho Girls' Club in Manitoba in 1950, establishing the Letitia Theta Rho Girls' Club No. 1, I.O.O.F., where she positively influenced the lives of many girls, who fondly referred to her as Mrs. Muck. A talented pianist, Helen was a musician, both at the Theta Rho Girls' Club, and Confidence Rebekah Lodge #40. In 1967, Helen was presented with one of I.O.O.F.'s highest honours, The Decoration of Chivalry in recognition of the commitments to the Rebekah Odd Fellowship and her community, where she worked tirelessly for the Red Cross, March of Dimes, and the Community Chest. Helen was on the membership committee for the Transcona Women's Institute. She spearheaded knitting for the Christmas Cheer Board, and the knitting of lap rugs for the two I.O.O.F. homes in Winnipeg. During her life membership of the Transcona Memorial United Church, Helen served as President of the United Church Women. Helen's enthusiasm for life, her distinctive laugh, her love of a good joke, and of music, as well as her talent for friendship, will all be greatly missed. Her husband, Melvin, and her brother, Alexander Cargill, predecease Helen. Surviving are her niece Lauren B. Davis (Ron), her sister-in-law Norma Cargill and her nephew Mel McMullen Jr. (Geraldine) and his family. The memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 17 at Transcona Memorial United Church, 209 Yale Ave. W., Winnipeg. The Rev. Jeff Cook will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Odd Fellows and Rebekah Memorial Eye Foundation, Box 132, 4025 Roblin Blvd., Winnipeg, MB R3R 3V5, or a charity of your choice. Transcona Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 10, 2008