Helen Iris SEWELL

SEWELL (SANDERSON), Helen Iris,
On September 9, 2001, in her 96th year, following a long, fruitful and happy life. At Leisureworld, 1800 O'Connor Drive, Toronto. Survived by her beloved husband of 67 years William S. Sewell, retired lawyer. Dearly beloved mother of Vivian Wylie (Bill Wylie) of Thornhill, Loraine Rowan of Kitchener, John Sewell (Liz Rykert) of Toronto, and Marion Sneyd (Bob Sneyd) of Perth. Loving grandmother of eleven grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren. Sister of W. Douglas Sanderson. Predeceased by her brothers Ted (C.F.), Wilfred, and Jack, and by son-in-law Ivan Rowan. Graduated from the Ontario College of Art in 1928 with the Governor General's Gold Medal. After graduation she taught art with Arthur Lismer of The Group of Seven at the Art Gallery of Toronto, and in London and Barrie. After raising her family she pursued her art career specializing in portraiture, in studios in downtown Toronto until age 85. She held positions of senior responsibility at the Toronto Heliconian Club of which she was an honorary life member. Church life was important to her and she took leadership positions at Calvary Baptist Church for many years. A founder of one of the first cooperative nursery schools in Toronto, at St. Aidan's Church. Visitation at the Sherrin Funeral Home, 873 Kingston Road (at Beech Avenue), 416-698-2861, Tuesday 7-9 p.m., Wednesday 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Funeral at Calvary Baptist Church, 72 Main Street, Toronto, Thursday, September 13, 11 a.m., a reception in the church hall will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to Calvary Baptist Church, 72 Main Street, Toronto, M4E 2V7, or a charity of your choice.