Obituary of Helen Mathilda Ann Merry

 

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Helen Mathilda Ann Merry, 88, of Stellarton, NS. Helen left us peacefully on March 6, with her children at her side at the Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow.

 

A beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Helen will always be remembered for her kindness and desire to help others, her great love of children, and her feisty personality, which was always a contributing factor to our lively and cherished family gatherings. Helen was also noted for her independence and incredible determination to do whatever she set her mind to – and looking like a million bucks while doing so, owing to her top-notch sense of style.

 

Born in 1936, in Cheticamp, NS, Helen grew up the eldest daughter of Helier and Nellie Merry and sister to Gloria, Harold, Derek, Winston, and Franklin. Helen often spoke of her wonderful childhood in Cheticamp, always on the go with a host of friends, helping her parents, and later, working at the family business. Helen’s family spent their summers in Pleasant Bay, and her attachment and love for that community remained steadfast throughout her entire life. Helen was a lifelong member of St. Andrew’s United Church in Pleasant Bay.  She was an active community member in Cheticamp, involved in a variety of community projects and groups, including the CanSkate Program and the Sacred Heart Hospital Auxiliary.

 

Helen was a teacher for 29 years. She loved her students, and she loved her work. She started her career in Spryfield but came home to Cheticamp in 1959 to be with her parents following the death of her beloved older brother Harold. Helen stayed and taught in Pleasant Bay, met and married her first husband, Linus MacInnis, and started her own family. Subsequently, Helen taught school in Ingonish Beach, Dingwall, Bay St. Lawrence, and Neil’s Harbour, making cherished lifelong friends in those communities. She ended her career at NDA in Cheticamp.

 

Helen is survived by her daughter, Shunda (Alan Elliott) and son, Eoin (Shova); granddaughters, Kyna (Mariana), Kendra (JP), Robyn (Cutler), and their mother, Sylvia Chiasson; and Tessa (Josh), Molly (Ryan); two great-granddaughters, Penny and Bella; sisters-in-law, Georgina, Ivy, and Ethel; brother-in-law, Pat; special niece, Shelly and husband, Rene; as well as many other nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews.

 

She was predeceased by her parents, Helier and Nellie (Robertson) Merry; siblings, Harold, Derek, Gloria, Winston, and Franklin; her first husband, Linus MacInnis, and second husband, Normand Deveau; and niece, Deborah.

 

In honour of Helen’s wishes, she will be laid to rest with her family in St. Andrew’s United Church Cemetery, Pleasant Bay, later in the spring.

 

Special thanks to the Pictou VON for their incredible care and support.

 

Donations in Helen’s memory may be made to the Pictou VON, or a charity of your choice.

 

Lovingly submitted by family.