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June BHATIA Obituary
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.
22 Entries
Jennifer Hollingbery
August 19, 2012
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.
Jane Mckagan
July 15, 2012
Rip helen/june
Jenny Walker
June 13, 2012
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)
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Kelly Nash
May 3, 2012
I only just found out June passed away. I have adored her writing since I was in my teens. May she RIP.
Caroline Sauvage
April 15, 2012
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
Jennifer Brewer
March 30, 2012
I have been a fan of Helen Forrester's work since my teens. My deepest condolences to June's family and friends.
David Thornton
March 25, 2012
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.
Mark Wedding
March 1, 2012
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?
Mark Wedding
March 1, 2012
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?
Ashish Bhatia
February 28, 2012
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!
Hazel Goldsmith
December 31, 2011
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.
Margaret Cathers
December 1, 2011
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
Janet Couch
November 30, 2011
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.
Leanne Kazmi
November 29, 2011
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.
Frank Smith
November 29, 2011
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.
David Hrabi
November 29, 2011
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
M. Halberg
November 27, 2011
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.
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