Helen Elizabeth McLean
Apr 6, 1940 – Oct 21, 2022
Service
Saturday, November 12, 2022
3:00 pm
A Celebration of Life for Helen will be held at her church, Memorial Presbyterian Church 5020-48 St, Sylvan Lake, AB. on November 12, 2022, at 3:00 p.m.
Notice
Since Helen’s family all lives overseas, please consider a donation to your local Animal Shelter instead of buying a card! A memory book will be set up where you may write your messages to that will be shared with her family and friends.
Obituary
Helen Elizabeth McLean
April 6, 1940 – October 21, 2022
Helen was born to Freda and Raymond McLean in Belmont, New South Wales, Australia. She leaves behind her sister Joan (John) O’Brien of Ettalong Beach, New South Wales, Australia, her niece, Rebecca (Gary), three nephews, Michael, Robert, Ian (Heather) and her very special grandnephews and niece: Elijah, Olivia, Oscar and Jasper. Helen was predeceased by her two brothers who passed away near the time of their births in 1944 and 1948.
Helen attended “Ladies College” (high school) in Launceston, then attended Teachers College in Newcastle, NSW. She worked at Muswellbrook, NSW first in the education department, then with disabled children, deaf children, and “less able” children at Stockton.
Helen came to Canada when she was 25 with her friend, Joyce, who lived in Red Deer. Helen made sure that a headstone was placed on her maternal grandfather’s grave in Ontario where some of her grandfather’s relatives lived. She also met with people her grandmother had knows from the Yorkton, SK area. Our town, province, and country are so much richer for her immigration!
When Helen first moved to the Central Alberta area, she worked at Michener center and spoke fondly of her time with the residents. Helen taught E.C.S. at H.J. Cody School from 1974-1978, and Elementary from 1978 – 1984 and at C.P. Blakely School from 1984-1996. She also graduated with her Bachelor or Education from the University of Alberta and her ARTC in 1972 – yes, music was in her soul!
Helen taught so many children in school and in private music lessons, but perhaps the most important thing she taught was the importance of each and every soul she encountered. She loved every young person she met, and that love carried on throughout her life. It was a rare day that we would venture out to Red Deer or around Sylvan Lake that someone who she cared for didn’t stop to talk and appreciate her. Her love extended to all of the fur-people around. She took great care of her pets and had a soft heart for every stray she encountered. Of course, that included human strays.
Helen was deeply involved in the Presbyterian Church; in Sunday School, the Choir, and the Handbell Chorus, (she took the handbells to the Sylvan Lake Lodge occasionally for the residents to play), not to mention being a Lay-Pastor and participating in the Ministerial when called upon. After she retired from teaching, she continued to be involved in the community as she became a counsellor for the Town of Sylvan Lake and started a support program for her friends and neighbors in the mobile home parks in Sylvan Lake. She worked in numerous part time jobs where she regularly encountered the grown children she taught. A wonderful, full-circle time for her.
In 1994, Helen was awarded “Citizen of the Year” for Sylvan Lake, where her work with young people and seniors was highlighted. She exemplified the true spirit of a “citizen” within our community and remained a much-admired friend to everyone she encountered in our little town.
Helen made a life of service, led by her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Following his words, she clearly walked the path he laid out. She loved each person and animal with the characteristics they were born with. She knew God placed these souls in her life so she could support and minister to them – many who had no idea they were being ministered to! How many of you knew of her prayers for you? Helen passed away as she lived – peacefully and gently. She will be missed.
A Celebration of Life for Helen will be held at her church, Memorial Presbyterian Church 5020-48 St, Sylvan Lake, AB. on November 12, 2022, at 3:00 p.m.
Since Helen’s family all lives overseas, please consider a donation to your local Animal Shelter instead of buying a card! A memory book will be set up where you may write your messages to that will be shared with her family and friends.
Cremation entrusted to the Rocky Mountain Crematorium, Rocky Mountain House, Alberta.
Sylvan Lake and Rocky Funeral Homes and Crematorium, your Golden Rule Funeral Homes, entrusted with the arrangements, 403 887 2151
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Helen Elizabeth McLean 2022..
Sylvan Lake Funeral Home & Crematorium
Décès pour la Ville: Sylvan Lake, Province: Alberta