18 November 1917 – 29 August 2017
Passed away peacefully at West Lincoln Memorial Hospital Grimsby.Predeceased by her husband Dr.Robert Lofthouse (Bob) in 2007. Mother to Lois (Don Marquardson), Jane (Dave Whitehead), Ruth (Rogers Abbott) and Lynn (Doug Williams). Loved Grandmother to 6 and Great Grandmother to 4. Helen was a graduate of St. Boniface Nursing School in Winnipeg Manitoba. She became an air stewardess with TCA after graduation as it was a job requirement to be a nurse and be of short stature. After surviving several plane crashes she decided to join the Royal Canadian Navy and was posted to Halifax where she met the man of her dreams! Helen continued to be an avid curler who always spoke so fondly of the many years she spent enjoying the sport, and the friends she made in the Hamilton, Dundas and Grimsby Curling Clubs. One of her fond memories was the time she spent coaching the blind curlers in Dundas. She recently found enjoyment playing shuffleboard with a wonderful senior group in Winona. She also shared a strong friendship with the parishioners of St. John’s Anglican Church who welcomed her when she moved to the area. A special thank you to the staff of Orchard Terrace and West Lincoln Memorial Hospital for their kind caring support. In lieu of flowers expression of sympathy may be sent to the Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation or Hamilton Community Foundation or St. John’s Anglican Church Winona.
A Celebration of Helen’s life has been planned for what would have been Helen’s 100th birthday. This will be held November 18th, 2017 from 2:00 until 4:00 at St. John’s Anglican Church, located at 1285 Hwy. 8, Winona, Ontario. Friends and family are welcome to join us in celebrating the extraordinary life of this very special lady.
Helen was always a lady and a wonderful kind person. It was a privilege to know her. Maggie the foot care nurse
I just received word today about Helen. I had curled with her in Dundas and was truly amazed at her stamina. She was an excellent curler and I enjoyed her spirit. I thought that when she moved away from Dundas, that I wouldn’t see her again but she had many wonderful friends and family that made sure that she remained a viable member of the large curling ‘Family’
May your family take comfort in knowing that she was truly admired.
To Helen’s family,
Your mother/grandmother was a wonderful vibrant person who enjoyed life to the fullest right up to the end. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. I know she will be missed by everyone at St. John’s church as she was a very active member there. She had always wanted to make 100 but alas she did not quite make it. I am sure the celebration of life at her 100th birthday will be something she would have enjoyed. I look forward to see you all at that time. God Bless!
It was such a privilege to know Helen, she is a legend in the Curling world. I was sure I would be curling with her on her 100th Birthday! In fact I truly believed she would live for ever. She was one of those wonderful people who made everyone feel they are special to her. At every Bonspiel someone would say ” Tell us a joke Helen” and she would.
Her stories would fill a book.
To all her family, thank you for looking after her so well that we could enjoy her company for so many years.
God Bless you all.
Helen was one of the most gracious women that we have ever met. She always had a warm smile for you. We all will miss her dearly.
Sadly she will be missed by many. What a wonderful life she had. An amazing lady, an amazing curler.
Friends and colleagues from the early ’60s – Skip (Dr. D.C.) and BJ Robinson.
Bob and Helen made us very welcome to Hamilton and down through the years; I remember some lovely visits to your cottage. Skip passed away over a year ago but he would want me to send OUR sympathy in the loss of your very lovely and talented mother. BJ
What a dear sweet lady your mother was.I loved her stories and chatting with her when she came into the bank where I worked.She lived life to the fullest.My Condolances to the family as you mourn her.You will have many memories to bring you comfort.
What a wonderful lady! I was a neighbour and member of Helen’s curling team for many years. We traveled to many clubs around the city and the province being out of town to overnight events on several occasions. Helen filled the room with her cheerfulness and always had a great story to tell. She will always be remembered at the Day Ladies Hamilton and District Bonspiel where we named a trophy in her honour due to her many, many years as a curler in that event. She will be truly missed!
This lady was a pleasure to see daily, she was always looking for her chocolate bars with nuts–nothing else would do so I made sure there was a stash set aside for her when the craving came..
I read with fond memories of your mother’s passing. My sincerest condolences to all of you as you celebrate your mothers full and rich life. Dr. Lofthouse worked at the General and supported the Foundation (where I was employed) to build the new General as it stands. At that time I was pregnant and when my daughter was born 29 years ago, I received a beautiful hand knit outfit from your mother – I hadn’t even met her at that point in time. I always remembered their kindness and generosity and impressed by their thoughtfulness at such a special time in our lives. I was truly shocked and grateful for the opportunity to meet and thank her.
Two very remarkable people that touched so many lives.
Our condolences to Helen’s family. We enjoyed lawn bowling with Helen in Grimsby. She was a wonderful lady.
Our condolences to the family. It was always a pleasure having a chat with Helen. Such a wonderful neighbour! She will be missed by many.
My condolences to the family. Your mother was a wonderful person – always with a smile on her face. I so enjoyed my visit a few years ago at Lois’ place with Jane and Helen. She will be missed.
Helen had an exuberance for life and was a kind, caring and talented woman. My husband and I had the privilege of knowing her and Bob as neighbours for many years. I especially remember her thoughtfulness when I had my arm in a cast and had difficulty cooking. She came over with a delicious shepherd’s pie right around dinner time! Over the years, we had many brief chats across our driveways, brief, because she was usually off to curling, choir or pottery classes. We missed her when she moved to Winona.
We hope your family will find comfort in knowing how much your mother touched so many lives.
Helen was an amazing lady, neighbour and friend. We always enjoyed the social events with her, Bob, and their wonderful family. We will miss her greatly. Our deepest condolences. Sincerely Jim and Val Philp.