FUNERAL HOME

June BHATIA Obituary

Published by Edmonton Journal on Nov. 27, 2011.

BHATIA, June (Helen Forrester)
June 6, 1919 - November 24, 2011
On November 24, 2011, June Bhatia passed away at the age of 92 years.
June will be sorely missed, and fondly remembered, by her son, Robert, daughter- in-law Dianne and grandchildren Stephen and Lauren. She also leaves her brother, Dick in the United Kingdom. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Avadh who passed away in 1984.
June, also known by her pseudonym, Helen Forrester, was born in Hoylake, near Liverpool in the United Kingdom. After experiencing abject poverty during the depression and the hardships associated with war, she met her husband-to-be in the late 1940's, was married in India and lived there for two years. They then moved to Edinburgh, Scotland and Ottawa before settling in Edmonton in 1955.
As well as being a most devoted wife and mother, June (Helen) became an accomplished author. Her first book was published in 1959. She continued to write until 2004, producing sixteen books, most of which were bestsellers particularly in Britain, including her well-known autobiography, Twopence to Cross the Mersey.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Thomas Ranieri and the compassionate and caring staff of the Edmonton General Continuing Care Centre.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, December 2, 2011 at 2:00 p.m., at All Saints Anglican Cathedral, 10035 - 103 Street, Edmonton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Edmonton Food Bank.
To send condolences, please visit
www.fostermcgarvey.com
Foster and McGarvey Funeral Home
Downtown Chapel
780-428-6666
Over 80 years of Service

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for June BHATIA

What is your first memory of June?

Share a favorite memory you have of June.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with June.

Describe a time when June made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about June?

Talk about a shared experience you had with June.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of June.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving June.

What is something you learned from June?

Not sure what to say?

22 Entries

August 19, 2012

Jennifer Hollingbery

I was first introduced to June's books by my mother and read and loved most of them many times over the years. Written with true heart rarely seen these days. She leaves us with a lasting legacy, and me with many hours of happy reading.

July 15, 2012

Jane Mckagan

Rip helen/june

June 13, 2012

Jenny Walker

I've only just found out she died! What a terrible shame - her biographies were some of the most stirring and emotional books I have ever read, and her experiences have stayed with me all my life. I often wondered what happened to her, I've read her books so often she almost felt like a friend. RIP Helen/June.

June 2, 2012

Thank-you Helen for sharing your story. Your courage, determination and sheer grit have and will continue to inspire me. I can only hope to pass to others some of what I have learned from you. What a legacy you have left the world. Elizabeth Jones (Australia)

May 3, 2012

Kelly Nash

I only just found out June passed away. I have adored her writing since I was in my teens. May she RIP.

April 15, 2012

Caroline Sauvage

Merci June pour le souvenir que vous laissez derrière vous. Vous serez toujours un modèle de courage formidable pour les jeunes, et une excellente écrivaine. Dieu vous bénisse

April 10, 2012

God bless you Helen, such an inspiration to me for over 20 years.

March 31, 2012

One of my favourite authors, very sad to hear she is gone.
Di, Shepparton, Australia

March 30, 2012

Jennifer Brewer

I have been a fan of Helen Forrester's work since my teens. My deepest condolences to June's family and friends.

March 25, 2012

David Thornton

I only found out today by chance that June Bhatia passed away late last year. I worked very closely with her husband, Avadh, in the early Seventies and met her on numerous occasions during Physics Department get togethers. She was a lovely lady and I offer my heartfelt condolences to the Bhatia family.

March 2, 2012

Mark Wedding

I have just learned of the passing of June- Helen Forrester- after google searching my favourite author to buy new copies of her books, i have read them all several times, and love each one of them. I am so sad to learn she has passed away, my heary goes out to all he family members.

She was a brilliant author who will be missed. RIP June/Helen.

Can anyone provide details of what ever happened to all her siblings?

March 1, 2012

Mark Wedding

Just learned by google searching, Helen Forrester, that my all time favourite author ever has passed away, iam sitting here crying right now. A truely brilliant writer, who wrote from the heart. I love all her books and own every single one, re reading them now will be all the more special. RIP, June (Helen) could anyone provide me with details about her siblings?

February 28, 2012

Ashish Bhatia

I deeply mourn the demise of my Aunt June Bhatia.My entire family in India(especially my mother Late Kamal Bhatia) was a keen reader of her literary works and we had shared extremely cordial relations .May God bless the bereaved family in this time of sorrow!

December 31, 2011

Hazel Goldsmith

My deepest sympathy to the family of June/Helen at this sad time.
I have enjoyed reading and still re read her wonderful books.They make you understand the hardships of living in the depression years.I feel as though i've lost a very dear friend, even though i never had the pleasure of meeting her.
H.Goldsmith.Evesham.Worcs.U.K.

December 23, 2011

Just to say I was sorry to hear of June's passing. I send my deepest sympathy to her family. June was easily my favourite writer..by a mile! I'm so sad, I feel as if I've lost a dear friend. L. Walker. Wrexham. North Wales. U.K.

December 1, 2011

Margaret Cathers

To Robert, Dianne, Stephen & Lauren,
My condolences to all of you on your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you .I read the interesting and beautiful tribute in today's Journal. I know she will be greatly missed by all of you.
With Sympathy,
Margaret Cathers

November 30, 2011

Janet Couch

My deepest sympathy to the family. I remember Mrs. Bhatia fondly from many conversations with her at Department of Physics functions, especially the ones that she attended for undergraduate students. She will be missed.

November 29, 2011

Leanne Kazmi

I am so sorry to hear of June/Helen's passing. She is my favourite author of all time and I will continue to read her wonderful books over and over again. I learned so much from her. Thank you Helen. Sleep tight. x

Leanne, Manchester UK.

November 29, 2011

Frank Smith

I first met June in the 1960s, when we were both members of the Canadian Authors Association. She was a good friend, and a wonderful author, who had overcome many tragedies in her life, to become not only a fine writer, but a great lady. I shall miss her.

November 29, 2011

David Hrabi

My prayers are with the Bhatia family. I remember June as an interesting person who had lots of interesting stories. I enjoyed our talks about her life in England. Since my sister is married to Robert, who is June's son, I was lucky to get to know her. She was a lively person up until her mid to late 80s. We will miss her at family functions. I will have fond memories of her.

November 27, 2011

Our deepest sympathy and condolences to Helen Forrester's family. I remember fondly when I had the honour and pleasure of working with Helen at the Library. . . as she was the writer in residence at one time. She read many manuscripts and gave encouraging advice to aspiring writers. She helped the Library promote books and literacy and gave many readings to appreciated audiences. Being self-taught, Helen was the perfect "poster child" for the Library. I will always remember her as a wonderful friend and the world will miss this inspiring author. May you rest in peace, Helen (June).
Iolani and Nick Domingo

November 27, 2011

M. Halberg

Her books were wonderful. She wrote so that you were taken into the book and lived it. You cannot write such deeply human books without being a empathetic and caring person.

My sincere sympathy to her family.

Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results

Make a Donation
in June BHATIA's name

Memorial Events
for June BHATIA

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Foster and McGarvey Funeral Home - Downtown Chapel

10011-114 Street, Edmonton, AB T5K 1R5

How to support June's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor June BHATIA's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more