HELEN CAROLE CERNY

Helen Carole Cerny passed away peacefully with her family at her side on November 25, 2025, in Collingwood, Ontario, at the age of 88. Born in Midland, Ontario, on August 26, 1937, Helen lived a life full of adventure and generosity. She traveled the world with her husband, Steven, and later in life with her partner, Marvin Teperman. An avid sailor, skier and gardener, Helen was also a trained gourmet chef and dedicated teacher. Helen leaves a lasting legacy through her profound connection to health care. As a teacher at Toronto's Sick Kids Hospital, she supported and educated young patients during their dialysis sessions. She devoted countless hours fundraising for the annual Maple Leaf Balls and their selected health charities in London, England. Closer to home, she was an active and fearless board member of the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital Foundation, tirelessly inspiring others to donate, get involved, and support its mission. Helen was a devoted wife, mother, stepmother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She instilled in her family the values of honesty, integrity, hard work, and community spirit. Helen is survived by her brothers, Ted Smith (Marilyn, deceased) and Hugh Smith (Beryl). Positively impacted and forever grateful are her three daughters, Judith Turnbull (Andrew Turnbull), Jana Kettle (Vernon Gomes), and Andrea Kettle (David Tuley); her six grandchildren - Benjamin, David (Kathryn), Abigail (Victoria), Jeremy, Stef, and Samuel - and her great-grandchild, Murray. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Helen's home care team for their support and the comfort they provided over the past few years. We would also like to express our gratitude to the staff at the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital and to Dr. Peter Wells for their exceptional care. A service of remembrance will be held at Fawcett Funeral Home in Collingwood on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at noon (12 p.m.), with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers and to honor Helen's commitment to local healthcare, donations may be made in her memory to the Collingwood General & Marine Hospital Foundation at https://cgmhf.com/donate/ or by mail to 459 Hume St., Collingwood, ON L9Y 1W9. Friends may visit Helen's online Book of Memories at www.fawcettfuneralhomes.com