Helen DUNCAN

DUNCAN, Helen (nee BIENOSZ) September 10, 1933- February 1, 2022 Helen Duncan (nee Bienosz) was born to Polish and Ukrainian parents in Toronto. Helen was predeceased by Errol, her husband of 57 years. She leaves behind her beloved sister and best friend Jeannette; daughter Kirsty; son Christopher (Cynthia) and grandchildren Isabella and Lily; and lifelong friends May, Kay, Jean, Jenny, Vera, as well as numerous cherished friends. Helen excelled in school, worked from age 13, and became the first person in her family to graduate university in 1954 when she completed a Bachelor of Physical and Health Education. As a high school teacher for over 30 years, she loved both her vocation and her students. Helen was insatiably curious about the world and had a thousand interests. She fell in love with bagpipes at the age of five, later learned to play, and was a proud member of the Toronto Girls Pipe Band. She earned her pilot's license when few women flew and before she learned to drive. At age 60 she took up sailing and then racing, and could not wait for Friday night suppers and dances at the Mooredale Sailing Club. She returned to university in her seventies to study new languages and loved nothing better than a good grammar debate. Helen taught all the neighborhood children to swim in the family pool and was happiest when the backyard was full of people. Her nights and weekends were filled with supporting her children in their activities, which included being a member of dancing and sport executives. Helen took every opportunity to visit both the lake and Toronto Island: her wanderlust took her family on numerous vacations in search of the perfect beach. Mom, you were our everything, our hearts are breaking, and we trust the pipes are playing you home to Dad. As an expression of sympathy, a donation may be made to the SickKids Foundation.