HELEN BLACKWOOD

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HELEN BLACKWOOD With great sadness we announce the passing of Helen Blackwood on October 23, 2001, with her loving family by her side. Predeceased by Bill, her dear husband of 45 years, Helen will be remembered by their children and their spouses, Don and Vicki Blackwood, Joanne and Michael Wyman, John and Joanne Blackwood, and Geoff Blackwood and Gail Gilchrist. Nana will be especially missed by her eight grand-children, David and John Blackwood, Jennifer and David Wyman, William Blackwood, and Aidan, Liam, and Lachlan Gilchrist-Blackwood. Helen also leaves to cherish her memory her brother Barry Gordon and his wife Donna, her sister-in-law Anne Epp, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. In particular, Helen shared special bonds with her niece, Jill Baer, and her husband Ray, and her dear friend Rhoda Kernested. Helen Mary Gordon was born in Selkirk, MB on June 23, 1925, the only sister to five brothers. Bill, Jack, Hugh and Don; and sisters-in-law, Maude, Freda and Ada have all predeceased her. Helen was a wonderful wife and mother. Her family was always her first priority. She took great pride in her role as a home-maker, a role at which she excelled. She was a tremendous source of support to all, and was actively involved in her familys activities in school, sports and church. To the very end, Helen put the needs of others before her own. Throughout Helens life, music played a strong role. After high school, she studied voice and piano, completing her Grade 9 Performance Level in piano. For over 35 years, Helen was involved in the Rockwood Festival of the Arts, serving as vocal coach, accompanist and committee member. Helens strong faith sustained her. Her involvement with the United Church began as a young girl in Selkirk, and continued throughout her years in Teulon. Involved in many capacities, Helen taught and supervised Sunday School, served as church pianist for over 40 years, and was an active and vital member of the United Church Women for 45 years. Helen embodied the spirit of community service. She canvassed and organized the local Red Cross campaign for 25 years. As a member of the South Interlake Regional Library Board, Helen was instrumental in establishing the Teulon Public Library. Helen also volunteered at Teulon Elementary School, the local Adult Day Care Program, and with Meals on Wheels. Helen was a beautiful person both inside and out. Her family will always remember her incredible sense of humour, her kindness, her boundless energy, her positive attitude, her music, her wisdom, her faith and her support. They will always remember a home filled with love, laughter, and encouragement. The family would like to thank Drs. Michael Loudon and Kerr Graham, and the nursing staff of Teulon Hunter Memorial Hospital for their compassionate care. We also extend our thanks to Drs. Inglis and Harris, and the staff of Grace Hospital. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 26 at 4:00 p.m. in the Teulon Rockwood Centennial Centre, Teulon, MB, with Revs. Ken and Barbara-Anne Anstie of Teulon United and Deborah Schweyer of Sturgeon Creek United officiating. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made in Helens memory to the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, 675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9, or The Teulon United Church Memorial Fund, Teulon, MB R0C 3B0. Cancer Is So Limited It cannot cripple love, It cannot shatter hope, It cannot corrode faith, It cannot eat away peace, It cannot destroy confidence, It cannot kill friendship, It cannot shut out memories, It cannot silence courage, It cannot invade the soul, It cannot reduce eternal life, It cannot quench the Spirit, It cannot lessen the power of resurrection. MacKenzie Funeral Home, Teulon, in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 26, 2001