Helen Rayson Straiton
February 22, 1922 – September 21, 2018
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Helen Straiton passed away at 5:30 p.m., on September 21, at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital.
She is survived by her husband John, her son Kenneth, and her daughter Susan (Brian). Also by her nieces Jeannie, Jennifer, Judy, Linda, and Heather and her nephews Paul, David, Richard, and Ronald. She was predeceased by her sisters Marion McCrae and Dorothy Williams, and by her nephew John. She will also be missed by her live in care givers of 8 years, Pelmo and Tashi.
Born Helen Rayson Kemp — in 1922 in Toronto, she grew up in the Junction where she helped her dad at the family bee yard and sold their honey door to door. She graduated from Humberside Collegiate Institute in 1940, then worked during the war at Acme Screw and Gear. She married John Straiton in 1947. On July 19 of this year, they celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary.
Helen and John lived in her family’s home until 1951 when they moved to Oakville, to a new suburban house built on farmer’s fields, with son Kenneth, then 2½ years old. Daughter Susan arrived in 1952.
Helen spent most of her life as a homemaker. She adored her pet cats and dogs. She was the most gregarious member of the family, loved hugging and the company of people. She also enjoyed time at the Muskoka cottage and in the early 1960s took up waterskiing. In the 1980s she became involved with belly dancing. And she travelled abroad many times with John, her friends, and her sisters.
When she was 63, Helen joined the Sumi-e Artists of Canada, an ink-brush painting group that became a significant part of her life. She graduated her classes in 1986 and subsequently participated in many of their exhibitions, including an international show in 1996. Upon graduation, she was presented with her personal seal which included her honorary name, the characters of which denote “Beautiful Spirit”.
A “Celebration of Life” will take place on Sunday September 30, 2018 at Kopriva Taylor Community Funeral Home, 64 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville (one block East of Kerr Street) from 2-4 p.m.
We welcome any personal memories of Helen. They can be left at www.koprivataylor.com
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Helen Rayson Straiton February 22 1922 September 21 2018.
Décès pour la Ville: Oakville, Province: Ontario
