Obituary for Helen May Halford
Halford, Helen May
On August 20th, 2018, in her 88th year, Helen May Halford (nee Willies) passed away peacefully at Woodingford Lodge in Woodstock after a long, courageous battle with cancer. Affectionately known as ‘Elma’ to her family, she was a wonderful mother to Alan, Julie, and David (Stephanie) and a loving grandma and great-grandma to Korey (Angie) and their son Lukas; Michael Jacot and William Jacot; Christopher and Oliver. She was a beloved sister of Amy Ferguson (Alex), Ruth Stadele, Beth Baird, and David (Liz), all of whom reside ‘across the pond’ along with several nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her brother Ian and his wife Helen; brother-in-law Jim Baird; and is survived by her dear friend, Bob Henry, of Woodstock.
Helen was born on May 28th, 1931, in Ayr, Scotland to the late May and Ernest Willies. She immigrated to Canada with her former husband Richard, wee son Alan, and soon-to-be-born daughter Julie in 1957, crossing the rough Atlantic Ocean aboard a cargo ship. Always brave and determined, Helen worked tirelessly, building a home for her children, and supporting the family excavating business, all the while working as an RNA at Alexandra Hospital in Ingersoll – a career that spanned more than 30 years. She loved to travel and after her retirement, focused on volunteer work, most notably at Alexandra Hospital and the Breakfast Club at the former Princess Elizabeth Public School in Ingersoll. Helen devoted her life to her family and to helping others and will be remembered for her bright-eyed smile, soft-spoken greetings, gentle manner, and incredibly kind heart.
In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place and a private memorial is planned. Arrangements have been entrusted to the McBeath-Dynes Funeral Home, 246 Thames Street South, Ingersoll, 519-425-1600. Donations to a charity of your choice, in memory of Helen (cheques accepted) would be appreciated.
On August 20th, 2018, in her 88th year, Helen May Halford (nee Willies) passed away peacefully at Woodingford Lodge in Woodstock after a long, courageous battle with cancer. Affectionately known as ‘Elma’ to her family, she was a wonderful mother to Alan, Julie, and David (Stephanie) and a loving grandma and great-grandma to Korey (Angie) and their son Lukas; Michael Jacot and William Jacot; Christopher and Oliver. She was a beloved sister of Amy Ferguson (Alex), Ruth Stadele, Beth Baird, and David (Liz), all of whom reside ‘across the pond’ along with several nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her brother Ian and his wife Helen; brother-in-law Jim Baird; and is survived by her dear friend, Bob Henry, of Woodstock.
Helen was born on May 28th, 1931, in Ayr, Scotland to the late May and Ernest Willies. She immigrated to Canada with her former husband Richard, wee son Alan, and soon-to-be-born daughter Julie in 1957, crossing the rough Atlantic Ocean aboard a cargo ship. Always brave and determined, Helen worked tirelessly, building a home for her children, and supporting the family excavating business, all the while working as an RNA at Alexandra Hospital in Ingersoll – a career that spanned more than 30 years. She loved to travel and after her retirement, focused on volunteer work, most notably at Alexandra Hospital and the Breakfast Club at the former Princess Elizabeth Public School in Ingersoll. Helen devoted her life to her family and to helping others and will be remembered for her bright-eyed smile, soft-spoken greetings, gentle manner, and incredibly kind heart.
In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place and a private memorial is planned. Arrangements have been entrusted to the McBeath-Dynes Funeral Home, 246 Thames Street South, Ingersoll, 519-425-1600. Donations to a charity of your choice, in memory of Helen (cheques accepted) would be appreciated.