Helen’s Obituary
It is with heartfelt sorrow, but immeasurable fond memories, that the family of Helen (née Dean) Forsythe announce her passing at the Margaret Cochenour Memorial Hospital on April 2, 2020 at the age of 102. She will be greatly missed by her family; daughters – Sharon Lewis, Karen (Pete) Konowalchuk, sons – Ken (Linda) Forsythe, Dwight (Vicky) Forsythe, daughter-in-law Linda Forsythe, 10 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and 7 great, great grandchildren. Helen was predeceased by her parents, her husband Rupe, her oldest son Don and her 9 siblings.
Helen was born in Lafleche, Saskatchewan, the youngest of 10 children, to William and Jesse (née Cobb) Dean. In 1937 she came to Faulkenham to keep house for her dad and two brothers. It was while shopping for rubber boots in Madsen that she met her future husband Rupert Forsythe. They were married in 1939 and lived in Madsen until August 1950 when they moved to Red Lake. Over the years she worked part time at the Seidel’s Drug Store, at the Red Lake Inn and in 1966 started at the Red Lake Post Office. She retired from there in 1982. She very much enjoyed her years with Avon as she was able to keep in touch with so many ladies.
Helen was always community minded and spent many years volunteering. As a young girl she was a member of the CGIT. Her years doing deliveries for Meals on Wheels and simply taking seniors out for a ride gave her much satisfaction. She was still doing this into her late eighties. She worked in the Tux Shop at the hospital and was a member of the Hospital Guild. As a member of the Lions, she held the office of tail twister for 22 years. She held several offices and was an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion until June 2008. As a member of the United Church Helen held office for many years.
She will always be remembered by us for her amazing sense of style, her exceptional quick wit and sense of humour, and the comfort we felt knowing she was always there for us.
We would like to thank Dr. Zielke and the nurses who showed Mom kindness, understanding and respect during her stay in the hospital.
Cremation will take place and a memorial service will be held at a later date.
Donations in her memory may be made to the Margaret Cochenour Hospital Auxiliary, through the Red Lake Chapel, P.O. Box 237, Red Lake, ON P0V 2M0.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Helen Maude Stephena Forsythe September 11 1917 April 02 2020..
Red Lake Funeral Chapel Limited
Death notice for the town of: Red Lake, Province: Ontario
My deepest condolences…Helen was a great lady..and I use the term intentionally..a great lady. She will be missed. I am so glad to have had her in my younger life.
May she rest in peace.
To my cousins, Sharon, Karen, Ken, Dwight, their families and Don’s family, please accept our deep felt loss of your mother, grand mother and our dearly beloved Aunt Helen. We remember, with much fondness, the times we spend together with Aunt Helen and Uncle Rupert and with you. She was always so proud of her family when I spoke to her. We loved her and share in the sorrow of your loss but remember a life well lived and a dynasty to be so proud of that they left beheld. The last living member of the family of Bill and Jessie Dean and the sister of my mother Jessie Goodwin. Keep well at this time much uncertainty.
Bernadine and Dean Goodwin