Peacefully on May 12, 2005 at the age of 90, at her home in Brantford, Helen Stevens was reunited in spirit with her beloved husband, Fred (d. March 3, 2005). Helen was born in Blenheim, ON to Rev. Willis and Eliza Shoup. She spent her childhood in communities too numerous to mention in Ontario, Florida and Manitoba. Helen met Fred in high school at Wesley College, Winnipeg. They courted long distance during Helen's nursing training at the Lamont Public Hospital in Lamont, AB. Helen and Fred married in 1939 and settled on the Cross Lake First Nation in Northern Manitoba, he as the United Church minister and she as the community field nurse. Fred's war service took them to Winnipeg, then employment opportunities led them to Sault Ste. Marie for 20 years and Mississauga for 11 years. A lifetime of work was rewarded with 28 years of happy retirement in Strathroy, ON until Fred's death two months ago. Helen was a kind, caring wife, mother and nurse and had a twinkle in her eye to the very end. In partnership with Fred, Helen nurtured her first family: Charlie, b. 1942 and Dannie, b 1945, then at the age of 48, embarked upon a second round of motherhood with Noreen, b. 1962. She also balanced motherhood with work as a nurse until her retirement in 1976. Helen is survived by son Charlie (Nancy), daughters Dannie (Don Angevine) and Noreen (Jill Town), grandchildren Mike (Pilar), Eric (Crystal), Ashley, Savannah and Dillon, as well as many nieces and nephews. Helen was predeceased by her parents, five siblings and her husband Fred. A memorial service will be held on Monday, May 16, 2:00 p.m. at the Strathroy United Church, Front Street in Strathroy with Rev. Jock Tolmay officiating. Tea to follow. McCleister Funeral Homes, Brantford in care of arrangements. Donations in Helen's name may be made to a charity of your choice. McCleister 1-519-758-1553. mccleisterfuneralhomes@sympatico.ca
