HELEN MURIEL MCGOEY (published on July 25, 2009)
| HELEN MURIEL MCGOEY January 10, 1928 July 15, 2009 Helen McGoey died peacefully at Seven Oaks General Hospital on July 15, 2009. She is survived by her daughters, Theresa Parrish (Bill), Susan McGoey, son Fred McGoey, and grandsons Sam and Ben Parrish. She is also survived by one brother, Wilfred Vaillancourt, brother-in-law, John McGoey and several nieces and nephews especially Kathy (Gus), Betty (Mike), John and David (Sophie). She was predeceased by her husband Jim, sons Patrick and Michael and daughter Margaret. Helen was born in Midland, Ontario and grew up in the small town of Britt, located just off Georgian Bay. Helen always enjoyed school and loved the fact that the town school teachers always boarded at her parent's home. She spoke often of the special relationships that she formed with some of her childhood teachers and was happy to help them with their class preparation in the evenings and they in turn took a special interest in her. Helen boarded at St. Joseph's Convent School in Toronto during High School. She loved her days as a student at St. Joseph's and also decided that she wanted to be a nurse after she spotted a young nurse in her white uniform and cape on the street in Toronto. She was completely entranced by this vision and it was a favourite memory of hers. So, upon graduation from high school, Helen began training as a registered nurse at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto. She loved nursing and living in Toronto and this was a very special time in her life. It was at St. Michael's that Helen met her future husband Jim, a physician at the hospital. They married in 1953 and shortly thereafter moved to New York City, where they lived for two years. In 1955, Jim and Helen moved to Winnipeg and started a family. Settling at their house on Handsart in 1960, Helen had a very active home and she was a hard-working and involved mother. The family pool was always full of neighbourhood children in the summer and she was always most welcoming to her children's friends. Helen also maintained an active role in the community, enjoyed figure skating as a young mom and was a devoted bridge player throughout her life. She made many close friends playing bridge and all of these relationships were very important to her. Helen went through many difficult periods during her life, most especially the deaths of three of her children. Her eldest son Patrick had many challenges but he lived at home for many years with his brothers and sisters and latterly at St. Amant Centre. Helen was devoted to his care throughout his life and he brought her so much happiness despite extremely trying circumstances at times. Despite these setbacks as well as many trials with her own health, Helen was an extremely strong person and persevered. Her Faith was steadfast and a constant source of strength throughout her life During the past 20 years or so, most important to Helen were her grandsons, Sam and Ben. Throughout the years, she spent a lot of time with them and they had a very special and close relationship. Sam and Ben were very devoted grandsons and especially during the past few years, when Helen's health failed, they visited and talked with her often. In March of 2008 Helen moved into The Wellington, where she greatly enjoyed renewing old friendships and establishing new ones. Although her health faltered during the time she lived at The Wellington, she spoke often of the wonderful people that she spent time with there, especially sharing meals and playing bridge. Helen had a very strong personality which she maintained until the end. She always spoke her mind regardless of circumstances and was never afraid of raising an eyebrow or two with her comments. She had a great laugh and was full of personality. Over the past six months, Helen spent a great deal of time in hospital. The family would like to thank the physicians and nurses who cared for her at the Grace General Hospital, Health Sciences Centre and finally at Seven Oaks General Hospital. A special thank you to Dr. Finlayson at Seven Oaks whose compassionate care during her final days meant so much to the family. In addition, the family would like to thank the many health care workers and nurses who were involved in her home care during the past few months, especially Lise, who went over and above her duties in her care of Helen. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire a donation can be make in Helen's memory to the St. Amant Foundation, 440 River Road, Winnipeg, MB R2M 3Z9. In accordance with Helen's wishes, a private family mass has been held. The family requests that Helen's friends remember her in their own way. The Coutu family in care of arrangements: E. J. COUTU CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald St. 253-5086 |
|
