Obituary
VICKERS, Helen Mary Rita (nee O’Brien)
Helen passed away peacefully on 09 October 2021 at the North
Bay Regional Health Centre, North Bay, Ontario. At 88 years, she left on her own terms —
“thanks to the love and kindness” of so many people, many of them strangers. Helen was an
exception to the rule; and nothing short of a miracle!
Born in the city of St. John’s in the Dominion of Newfoundland on 26 May 1933, Helen survived
her parents and 9 siblings. In 1959 she married Howard Frances Vickers (23 Nov 1926 – 24 Mar
2001) and raised a family in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Upon retirement, they moved back to St.
Johns to enjoy time with their eldest daughter Cynthia Vickers-Brown and their grandchildren:
John and Melissa (son-in-law John Tucker); and Ashley and Erica (son-in-law Darren Porter).
Helen later enjoyed living in Ontario with her daughter Lena Vickers (retired Major Cormier)
(son-in-law Wayne); and her grand-daughter Richelyn. Mom/Nan also spent several years in
Alberta with son Howie (retired Corporal Vickers) (daughter-in-law Amanda); MacKenzie and
her youngest grandchild Madelynne.
Helen was rooted (and pickled) in Newfoundland; she was a proud Canadian veteran mother
and grandmother, who lived life to the fullest. An avid animal lover; Helen’s passion throughout
her life was supporting her local animal welfare centers.
Thank you to the staff at the North Bay Regional Health Centre, Dr. Rapaport and the 22 Wing
Family Medical Team.
Cremation has taken place at Whispering Pines Funeral Home’s Crematorium. Helen said «Plant Smiles, Grow Laughter, Harvest Love; no flowers required!» If you wish to make a donation to a charity of your
choice in honour of Helen, she would be most grateful. Online condolences may be made at www.mcguintyfuneralhome.com
To send flowers to Helen’s family, please visit our floral store.
May 26 1933 October 9 2021 (age 88)
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Helen Mary Rita O’Brien Vickers May 26 1933 October 9 2021 (age 88)..
Décès pour la Ville:North-Bay,, Province: Ontario