Helen Durance
January 06, 1930 – September 19, 2020
The family of Helen (Curly) Durance take great comfort knowing she has joined the love of her life, Ross (September 1929 – December 2007). Our beautiful mother passed away peacefully Saturday, September 19th, 2020 with family at her side.
Helen was born in Dryden, January 6th, 1930. She enjoyed a happy childhood filled with dancing, music, swimming and skating. Mom married her childhood sweetheart Ross in 1949 at The Riverview Lodge, which they eventually purchased in 1977 becoming gracious hosts to patrons for many years.
In 1964 they moved to “The Farm” in Waldhof on Eagle Lake where they spent a wonderful year enjoying pioneer farm life. To quote Ross, “our house was very old and had very little in the way of comfort, such as water but since we lived on the lake we really didn’t suffer much until winter”. Considering she had 3 young children relocating to a farm with few amenities, we truly believe this to be an example of her industrious spirit and strength. Soon the farm became her sanctuary where she nurtured her love for gardening, cooking and decorating her home.
In 1965 Helen and Ross bought The Red Eagle in Vermilion Bay and spent many years devoted to the store. One of her other endeavours became the manufacturing of Hagens Dressing, which is still going strong today.
The farm became the heart of the family. A welcoming and comforting space where we would celebrate occasions with our growing families. The cozy farm house, nowhere near the pioneer home they first moved into all those years ago. It was here that they grew older together.
Helen will always be remembered as a gracious, gentlewoman.
Helen is survived by her children Ron (Riaan) Durance, Susan (Jordon) Durance and Judy (Jeff) Gaudry, her grandchildren; Kate (Chris) Sakamoto, Tim (Nadine) Gaudry, Ben (Emma) and Jamie (Kayla) Railian, and great grandchildren; Jude, Makio, Lucas and Adalyn.
A Private Family Service will be held at a later date.
Should friends desire donations may be made to Princess Court DECO through Stevens Funeral Homes, P.O. Box 412, Dryden, ON P8N 2Z1. Condolences may be posted at wwwstevensfuneralhomes.ca
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Helen Durance January 06 1930 September 19 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Dryden, Province: Ontario