HELEN FLOY LITTLE

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

HELEN FLOY LITTLE April 27, 1912 - January 13, 2005 Helen died at the St. Boniface General Hospital after being surrounded by her four children, her home care aid Julie Gloria and wrapped in her goddaughter Carol Isaac's blanket. We believe she left to find Ross, her husband of 63 years who predeceased her. She is survived by her four children, Christy, Peter (Noreen) of Owen Sound, Andrew of Calgary and Ron (Cath) of Calgary and by eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Helen was also predeceased by her brothers, Peter and Jim Shuttleworth of London, ON and her sister Grace Moogk of Niagara-On-The-Lake, ON. She was born in London, ON to Hugh and Mary (nee Murray) Shuttleworth. In her youth, she summered at Camp Wapomeo in Algonquin Park. She attended Havergal College in Toronto and finished school training as a professional dietitian at the Ontario Agricultural College. After a brief and exciting practicum at St. Luke's Hospital in New York City, Mum returned to Canada. She was employed at her father's hat factory in London. After a punching machine removed a portion of her thumb, she thought opening a tearoom would be more enjoyable. Helen named it the Mad Hatter Mum's sense of adventure and fun led her to Ross and they were married in 1938. The RCAF kept Helen and Ross moving around Canada during The Second World War but that didn't stop the appearance of children. Ross's transfer to Winnipeg with Canada Permanent Trust in 1946 brought them to the West. Helen immersed herself in family, more children, friends and a long term dedication to volunteering in her community. She was involved for many years with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, The Winnipeg Art Gallery and the Children's Hospital. Her flare for dressmaking and sewing came to good use whether creating costumes for the RWB, skating carnivals or decorating parts of the church. St. George's Crescentwood became the family's spiritual home and Helen was involved with St. Martha's guild, the Altar Guild and the ACW. Helen was a figure skater and with Ross, grew into an accomplished ice dance skater. Their passion for the rink was translated into CFSA Prairie Division Veterans Dance titles in 1960 and 1968. She had an abiding interest in art and her paintings grace several homes. After Ross retired, Christy organized many trips around Europe over several years where Mum developed an eye for paperweights and watch fobs. She always saw the artistic potential in the most simple of objects. Who wasn't left dumbstruck by her wall hanging made from dry cleaners bags? Helen invited interesting people into her life and always engaged them in challenging and stimulating conversation. The weather was rarely a topic of discussion. Thank you to the staff on Unit 4B at the St. Boniface Hospital who with much care and love made Mum's last days as comfortable as possible. A memorial service celebrating Helen's life will be held on Thursday, January 20 at 2:00 p.m. at St. George's Crescentwood Anglican Church, 168 Wilton, Winnipeg, MB R3M 3C3. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Helen's name to the St. George's Memorial Fund (address above) or to the Winnipeg Art Gallery, 300 Memorial Blvd., Winnipeg, MB R3C 1V1. Arrangement entrusted to: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME 885 9715 Friends and family are invited to sign the guest book at www.obituariestoday.com.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 19, 2005