IDA (HELEN) WILLIAMS

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IDA (HELEN) WILLIAMS 1913 - 2012 After celebrating her 99th birthday on August 17, Helen passed away on October 3, 2012 surrounded by the love of her family and the compassion of her care givers on the fifth floor of the Golden West Centennial Lodge. Predeceased by her husband, Robert Owen Williams in 1999 and her parents, Edward Roland Simpson and Suzanna Pearl Simpson (Byce), Helen is survived by her daughter, Cathy McInnes (Bob), grandchildren, Laura Mulherin (Peter), David McInnes (Anne), Jennifer Flaherty (Michael), her daughter-in-law, Cherry Williams (Ron) grandchildren, Steven Williams (Maka), Corrie McBride (Jeff), Shawna Williams (Greg), her god-daughter, Dawn Hutsebaut (Walter), her son Ted (Bobbie), 11 great-grandchildren, her nephew, Kerry Williams and nieces, Pam Williams and Christine Patrick. Helen graduated from Wesley College as an Associate of the Toronto Conservatory of Music and taught piano to many students in St. James over a career spanning 40 years. She was honoured by the Manitoba Museum of Man and Nature with a Life Membership after 25 years as a volunteer with the school program. Helen also devoted her time as a volunteer with Strathmillan School, the Manitoba Theatre Centre and the Canadian Cancer Society and was proud to be a longtime member of the IODE. St. James was her home for most of her life including several years at Kiwanis Courts before moving to Golden West Centennial Lodge in January 2012. She and Bob treasured the 50 summers spent at Victoria Beach. Helen was a kind and courageous woman who overcame many medical challenges with a positive attitude. Those who cared for Helen over the years know how grateful she and Cathy were. An avid reader she instilled the joy of reading and the wonders of libraries to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Having lost her sight to macular degeneration at an advanced age was her most difficult challenge. Donations in her memory to the CNIB Library Services at 1080 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3G 3M3 would be appreciated. Interment and a celebration of Helen's long life will take place at Victoria Beach in the summer of 2013.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 06, 2012