Helena WEBB

HELENA WEBB January 2, 1945 - December 25, 2021 Passed away peacefully at Innisfree House on Christmas Day, following a long illness, with her partner by her side and surrounded by the love of family and friends. She was 76. Helena was born in Manchester, England on January 2, 1945, the eldest daughter of Samuel and Kyra Lomonosoff, and descendant of a family who fled Russia to escape the pogroms that killed tens of thousands of Jews in the period around the First World War. She came to Canada in 1964 for an extended visit that turned into a new life in her chosen country. For more than 40 years, Helena played a pivotal role in overseeing operations in the President's Office at Conestoga College. She provided support and wise counsel to three of the four presidents in the college's history as well as a long succession of Board of Governors members through her role as Secretary to the Board. She provided ongoing financial support for scholarships that helped Conestoga students attain their educational goals, and mentored generations of Conestoga employees, inspiring others with her unwavering commitment to the college's vision for inclusive, accessible, high quality education that helps individuals and communities grow, succeed and become the best they can be. A lifelong bibliophile with a passion for reading, Helena held a BA in English Language and Literature from the University of Waterloo. She served for many years as a member of the Board of Directors and was a former Board Chair for Kitchener Public Library. With her innate and unflagging curiosity and her penchant for precision in language, thought and action, Helena could always be counted on to provide thoughtful guidance and devise elegant solutions in even the most challenging of situations. Her grace, dignity and quiet strength supported her throughout her life and career and through the final days of her difficult journey. She was a loving mother and grandmother, a valued colleague and a dear friend who enriched the lives of countless people across our community and beyond. She will be sorely missed. She leaves behind her partner both in work and in life, Dr. John Tibbits, as well as her children, Tim Webb (Claudia) of Toronto and Jo-Ann Totzke (Steve) of California and her grandchildren, Olivia, Simon, Benjamin and Henry Webb and Hannah and Owen Totzke. Also mourning her loss are her sisters, Maxine Shearer in Vancouver and Mandy Heelbeck in Manchester, England, as well as her stepchildren, Stephanie Tibbits (Chris Amey) of Florida and Jason Tibbits (Jennifer) of Texas, and step-grandchildren, Brayden, Colter, Brielle and Walker Amey and Thomas Tibbits. Special thanks to the staff and volunteers at Innisfree House for their compassionate care and kindness. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Helena's life will take place at a later date. As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Helena Webb Fund at Conestoga College would be appreciated by the family. Proceeds from the fund will be used for the development and enhancement of services to support individuals from across the community in their quest to build, launch and retain successful careers. For more information, visit www.conestogac.on.ca/giving. Visit www.henrywalser.com for Helena's memorial.