Helen Jean Jenkins
1926-2021
Helen Jean Jenkins – 94, Kentville, passed away
peacefully on Tuesday February 9, 2021 at the Evergreen Home for
Special Care. Born in Halifax, she was a daughter of the late James
Melbourne Ruggles and Vera (Rafuse) Ruggles. She was raised in the
Middle Musquodoboit area and for the rest of her life, this area never
left her heart. As some have said, «You can take the girl out of
the country, but you can’t take the country out of the
girl.» Helen’s working career was spent mostly working
at various grocery and convenience stores in Annapolis Royal and
Kentville; however, the one workplace which had the greatest impact on
her life was housekeeping services at the NS Sanatorium in Kentville.
She worked with and met staff and patients from all over the country.
Helen took great pride in her work and loved to tease and laugh with
everyone around her. A patient, Earl Jenkins, was at the hospital long
enough to meet and become smitten by Helen’s smile and
personality. A relationship ensued and a few months later, Earl, a
resident of Annapolis Royal, asked Helen for her hand in marriage.
Although she loved working at «the San», Helen loved Earl
more and they were married and moved to Annapolis Royal.
Sadly, the love of her life passed away mere months later. Helen
pushed on and made a life for herself in her new home. She joined the
Annapolis Royal Legion Auxiliary and served a term as president. Bingo
became a new past time and Helen travelled throughout the Valley
seeking out places to play, all with the hope of shouting,
«Bingo!» Helen eventually moved back to Kentville where she
would spend over 22 years living at the Cornwallis Inn. She became
interested in politics and it was not difficult to know Helen was a
closet Liberal supporter. Anyone who knew Helen would eventually hear
her displeasure of free trade, «When Brian Mulroney stood on the
steps of the White House and said, Free Trade! that’s when
things went bad.» Helen enjoyed canvassing for the Red Cross and
the Cancer Society. She loved family gatherings, especially
when food was involved. Old time country music and even blue
grass were always on her radio. She would «dance a jig» when
the music was right. Helen moved to Evergreen Home for Special Care as
a result of a fall in her apartment and it was here where she met and
created a new family amongst staff and residents. Helen was treated
with care, kindness, love and respect and she was able to spend the
last five years of her life content and at peace. Jim, Judy,
Carolyn and granddaughter, Katie will be forever grateful to the staff
of Evergreen for all of the love, care and support given to their
mother and grandmother. She is survived by her children, Jim Noonan
(Ellen Crowley), Judy Noonan (David Sutherland) and Carolyn (Robert)
McLellan; granddaughter, (That’s our Katie!) Katie Noonan
(Adam Archibald); sisters, Hazel (Ken) Read, Ella Jean Costley (Bruce
Caldwell), and a brother, Allison (Julianna Bullock); several nieces
and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her
husband, Earl; infant daughter, Mary Noonan; sisters, Isabel MacAulay
and Doris Power; brothers, Lawrence, Harold and Vernon. Almost any
discussion with Helen about the past involved her popular quote,»
Them were the days!» May everyone take a moment to
reflect on a moment or conversation with Helen and pass along a smile
to someone in your world. Cremation has taken place and there will be
no visitation, by request. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m.
on Friday, November 26, 2021 in the White Family Funeral Home,
Kentville. A private family interment will take place in Holy Cross
Cemetery, Kentville. In accordance with the Nova Scotia Proof of Full
Vaccination Policy, proof of full vaccination will be required to
attend visitations, services and receptions held in or by the White
Family Funeral Home. Donations in memory may be made to the Canadian
Red Cross or the Canadian Cancer Society. Arrangements have been
entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services,
Kentville. On-line condolences and inquiries may be directed to
www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com.
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19262021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Helen Jean Jenkins 19262021..
Décès pour la Ville: Kentville, Province: Nova Scotia