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Obituary
Helena died peacefully on February 22, 2023 in Ottawa. The only daughter of Michael and Hanora (nee Finnerty) Whelan was born in Kirkland Lake, Ontario on October 3, 1933. She is predeceased by her six adoring brothers, Howard, David, Jack, Maurice, Paul and Mike.
Helena studied nursing in Toronto, graduating in 1957. She loved being a nurse, and provided comfort to countless patients at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Toronto, St. Joseph’s Hospital in North Bay and Miramichi Lodge in Pembroke.
Helena married James Purdon of Powassan in 1959. In Jim’s eyes, her beauty only grew over their 65 years together. They raised their family in North Bay, relocating to Pembroke for 16 years before returning to North Bay in retirement. They eventually settled in Ottawa where they could be nearer to their daughter Erin.
Helena is survived by her husband Jim of Ottawa, son Jamie (Robin Green) of Toronto and daughter Erin (Richard Moignard) of Ottawa. Helena had seven grandchildren who lived in anticipation of her cottage pie-making: Taylor (Melvin Goolab), Conor (Katie Charal), Sydney and Isabella, all of Toronto, Beau (Sarina Annis) of Kitchener, and Jack and Margaux of Ottawa. She also is survived by great granddaughter Frieda Pearl. Helena is also survived by sisters-in-law Ann Rainville, Maureen Devost, Sandy and Margaret Whelan and Patricia Purdon. These women were like true sisters to Helena. She also had many nieces and nephews, and made many good friends in life.
Though we all mourn her death, we have also grieved a thousand little losses over the last decade as we watched Helena’s progression of Alzheimers disease.
Helena will be remembered for her great sense of humour. Her distinct, infectious laugh rang above all others at a good joke. Her brothers went to great lengths to hear that laughter. She could artfully diffuse any tension with her wisdom and kindness. She was passionate about politics, sports and the CBC. She was never without her crossword puzzles and a new book. Her faith sustained her through many painful losses in life, especially the loss of her son David and her treasured brothers and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-laws. Everyone who met Helena liked her. Everyone who knew her loved her.
Friends are invited to pay respects to the family on Thursday, March 2, 2023 at the McGuinty Funeral Home, 591 Cassells Street, North Bay from 7pm to 9pm. A Funeral mass will be held on Friday, March 3, 2023 at the Pro Cathedral of the Assumption, 480 McIntyre St W., North Bay at 10 AM. Interment and Committal prayers to follow at St Mary’s Cemetery, 132 Golf Club Road, North Bay. Online condolences may be made at www.mcguintyfuneralhome.com
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October 3 1933 February 22 2023 89 Years Old
Death notice for the town of: North-Bay,, Province: Ontario
death notice Mary Catherine Helena Whelan Purdon October 3 1933 February 22 2023 89 Years Old
obituaries notice Mary Catherine Helena Whelan Purdon October 3 1933 February 22 2023 89 Years Old
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Mary Catherine Helena Whelan Purdon October 3 1933 February 22 2023 89 Years Old and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
