HELENA SWEENEY

SWEENEY
It is with very heavy hearts that the family share the news of the passing of Helena McKenzie Sweeney, nee Kelly. Helen to her friends, Ena to her family was born 91 years ago in Glasgow, Scotland, the youngest of 10 children of Peter and Rose Kelly. When she finished school and joined the workforce, Helen spent her weekends volunteering at a local orphanage. It was a time at the end of WWII that those efforts were greatly needed and appreciated. She married Jimmy Sweeney in 1959 and together they looked after her father in his final years. Shortly after he passed in 1962 Helen and Jimmy with their 2 young children Sandra and Jim left on an adventure to live in Fort William, Ontario to be near 2 of her sisters. Although she spent most of her life in Canada and made many good friends, she never gave up her British passport or her loyalty to Scotland. During those early years, although her top priority was her children, Helen worked at the A&W on Arthur St. where she earned car hop of the year. She later worked at Sears where she demonstrated and instructed in the use of sewing machines. Then she found her calling at Beacon Hill Lodge. In retirement Helen went back to her volunteer times and spend many hours at the Herb Carroll Centre. She was a devout Catholic and as a parishioner of St. Agnes Parish added her hands to supporting parish events. Helen and Jimmy spent many evenings playing darts at local legions and golfing in the summer months. She was a member of Chapples Ladies Golf group for several years, and was the proud flag bearer during the senior games representing golf. Her son-in-law says she had a wicked shot for a lefty. Helen is survived by her daughter Sandra (Mario Letwin) of Woodstock, ON, 2 grand daughters Ashley (Dan Cruz Ventura) of Woodstock and Keiran Letwin of Victoria. BC. She has 3 cherished great grandsons Samuel Alexander, Charles Leigh and Auston Brayden also in Woodstock. She remained close to a niece Jo (Henry Kulik) in Sarnia, ON. Other family in Canada and Scotland also survive. Helen is predeceased by her husband Jimmy, her son James Gerard and her grandson Matthew Brayden, her parents Peter and Rose Kelly, her sisters and brothers in law Rose and Joe Currie, Margaret and John Purdie and Winnie and Andy McQuilter and a special niece in Scotland Rose Ellen Edgar along with other family in Canada and Scotland. Helen's was a long, well spent life. She touched so many and left imprints on so many hearts. In her memory any kindness that you can show to someone in need would be appreciated. She was an avid animal lover and offers of kindness to an animal shelter would be appreciated as well. We extend a special thanks to Helen's caregivers, especially the staff of Pinewood Court and special fiends Sheila and Raina. As per Helen's request cremation has taken place and there will be no service. Prayers offered silently or Mass intentions would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to the Blake Funeral Chapel, 200 May Street Street.

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