Helen Teresa Hagan passed away peacefully at the Queensway Carleton Hospital in Ottawa in her 87th year on December 18th, 2015. Loving and devoted wife of Norm; cherished mother of Carolyn, Bill (Barb), Mary Lou (Jim Dorrance) and Marj (Geoff Bennett). Dear sister-in-law of Sheila (John Bloxham), Johnny (Rose Norton) and Trudy Handrigan. Predeceased by her brother Edward Handrigan and parents William John Handrigan (Bill), and Sarah Matilda Meaney (Sadie). She will be dearly missed by her loving grandchildren: Anne-Marie, Carolyn, Dany (Melissa); Sean (Tammy), Rebekah (Ryan), Matthew (Isabelle), Erin (John), Kristin, Angela and Danielle and eight wonderful great-grandchildren: Elise, Lilianne, Eric, Annabelle, Quinn, Isaac, Lucas, and William. Fondly remembered by her nieces and nephews: Brian, Patty, Norman (Lorraine), Mark, Lara (Darrell) and their children: William, Sara, Sean, Stephen, Theresa, Howard, Caleb, Sawyer, Liam, and Cèilidh.
Helen was born in Petries, Bay of Islands, NF, on April 5th 1928 and grew up in Montreal, Qc. She went to high school at Hochelega Convent finishing at the top of her class. She went on to Miss Flanagan’s school of business to pursue a career as a Secretary. It was around this time when she met the love of her life, Norm, whose romance started with a shared passion for dancing on Friday nights at the Park Extension Community Centre. They married in Montreal in 1949 and settled in Sept-Iles, Quebec for over 28 years. Helen was the first woman in Canada to be given the responsibility of managing a Steamship Stevedoring (marine services) company – an achievement that she was very proud of. She was also one of the founders of the Ecole de Ballet de Sept-Iles who was honoured at their 50th anniversary celebration which she attended three years ago. In 1981, Helen and Norm ventured west to Edmonton, Alberta where they worked for the Alberta government and got to be closer to their Western family. They eventually retired to Westport, Ontario in 1985 which was the place they fondly called “home”. Helen actively served her community wherever she lived in many ways, including such organizations as Ham Radio, Toastmistresses (now Toastmasters) and as Church Choir director. She loved family gatherings and was known for her elegant entertaining, wedding cakes/ famous Christmas fruit cake, her love of music, playing the organ, family and friendship. Helen and Norm celebrated their 66th anniversary in October. Family and friends have cherished memories of this kind and caring woman who was loved by many and will be missed.
A funeral service will be held at St Edward Church, Westport, ON on Saturday, January 2nd, 2016 11:00 am A celebration of Helen's life will follow at the Royal Canadian Legion in Westport.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to your favorite charity in Helen’s honor. Condolences may be left in Helen’s online guestbook at http://www.lyonsfuneralhome.ca/
The family is very grateful to the staff of the Queensway Carleton hospital for their compassionate care and support during this difficult time.
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