Obituary for
Helen Crowley (Kealey)
It is with sadness that we announce Mom’s passing on March 12, 2020, three months before her 100th birthday. Helen’s husband, Gerald Crowley, passed away in 2001. Once their children became adults, it was only then that we looked back at Mom and Dad, and realized that a relationship involved a strong thread of love and respect, through good times and bad. Our parents lived by example and it was an invaluable gift that they passed on to their children. Helen is survived by her seven children: Ron Crowley (Janet), Michael Crowley, Susan Crowley (Ian), Dennis Crowley, Judy Allard (Guy), Kathleen Crowley (late husband Bob) and Danny Crowley. Also survived by her grandchildren, Sarah Crowley (Chad) and Heidi Crowley, Sian Bell (Leon), Emilie Crowley, Colin Crowley (Zarina) Fiona Love (Phillip) Renelle Allard (Dylan) and Tyler Allard (Megan.) Her great grandchildren that held a special part in her heart were: Thomas Crowley, Alexander and Violet Smart, Marcus Crowley and Lydia Allard. We would like to give a very big thank you to the staff and doctors on the Mattagami Unit at Extendicare. Mom always had a smile or wave of her hand to the staff members. And the staff responded to this by showing her dignity and above all, love. For every loving hand that bathed Mom or helped dressed Mom or gave her medications, the family thanks you from the bottom of our hearts. You are truly the heroes and front-line workers that allow our aging parents to have a purpose in life as they enter their final years. The family also has a very, deep gratitude to the volunteers at Horizon Palliative Care. Mom was the last surviving member of a big family from a farming community in the Ottawa Valley on the Quebec side. But she always held a particular strong bond with her identical twin sister Martha Morris-Kealey (Low, Quebec) predeceased in 2003. Mom lived a full life. At one stage in her life, her and Dad had seven children all under the age of 18 living in their home. And her pride and joy was her youngest child Danny. Having a special child in the 1960’s involved breaking new barriers and stereotypes about having a son with Downs Syndrome. Mom was instrumental in supporting a school in the basement of The First United Church so that other mothers with kids of intellectual disabilities could interact with each other. She would carry Danny out to a taxi to bring him there as Dad was working at the Aunor Mine.
Mom was one of the first volunteers at Lord’s Kitchen, enlisting Dad to help her haul out the frozen roasts from the freezer. Mom taught us tolerance, patience and above all empathy. Whenever she would see some down-trodden person on the street, Mom would always say” That is some Mother’s son or daughter.” Our parents purchased a set of Encyclopedias when we were kids (on a 12 month payment plan.) They were the only books in our house. As result, all of her kids love to read. As well, Mom always sang around the house, and her children are all very musical and truly understand the impact of music in one’s life. We will miss you Mom. But the values and kindness you taught us will live within us. You always said, “It takes nothing to smile…it’s such a simple act but it may mean a lot to someone else”.
Funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Cathedral. The family will receive friends on Monday (Time to be announced) at Lessard-Stephens Funeral Home.
Keep smiling Mom…and give a big hug to Dad from all of us.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Helen
Crowley Kealey 1920 2020..
Death notice for the town of: TIMMINS, Province: Ontario