Helen PERRY

1936 - 2021

PERRY, Helen (nee CRAMPTON) Peacefully at the family farm, surrounded by her family, Helen left us on her own terms, on May 4, 2021. Born in 1936, in Harby, England, Helen emigrated, in 1946, to Canada with her parents, David and Nellie Crampton and her siblings. Predeceased by her parents, her husband, Bill (William E) and sisters, Mary Brown and Joan Miniter. She is survived by her beloved younger brother, David Crampton and his wife, Irene. She will be dearly missed and loved by her children, Ingrid, Rod (Philippa) and Don, as well as her grandchildren Emily and David Perry; Tori Peacock; Nicole and Lindsay Bodolai; Aislin, William, Meghan and Leanne Perry. Helen will be remembered by many for her lifelong commitment to community service and volunteerism. When Don started kindergarten in 1969, Helen began to volunteer at the Canadian National Institute for the Blind and ultimately, over a 25 year career, transitioned her volunteer role into a leadership position as the Executive Director, CNIB National Library. Her pioneering of the Talking Book Program allowed visually impaired Canadians to access books, periodicals and journals that were previously not accessible. Upon retirement, Mom and Dad returned to the family farm in Hawkestone, Ontario and Helen became involved with a wide network of charities in the Orillia community, including Couchiching Jubilee House, the Boys and Girls Club, the Stephen Leacock Museum and Leacock Associates as well as St. James' Anglican Church, where she led a number of projects including Glowing Colours, the Christmas Market and her cherished Loonie Lunch. She is known widely for fostering networks of women in support of each other as well as hosting celebrations at the farm for those she cared about. Her memory will be cherished by so many family and friends. Her love of family, music, the arts, reading and bridge nurtured her soul and friendships. To this day, her grandchildren will all tell you, with a combination of embarrassment, pride and laughter, of walking through downtown Orillia with their grandmother and being stopped by numerous people, calling out "Hi Helen". They then stood beside their grandmother as this person explained a situation that needed Helen's help or simply took some time to catch up. A walk through Orillia with their grandmother, was never short, nor without interruption. Many thanks to those who have cared for Mom over the course of her illness these past few months in particular Dr. Ravi Aggarwal, Rev. Canon John Anderson, and the healthcare team. A very special thank you to Craig Shelswell, for his years of friendship and support truly the best neighbor our mother could ever have had. Because of Covid, Mom's funeral will be limited in attendance. It will be shared soon through St. James', www.stjamesorillia.com for those who wish to join us virtually and in spirit. Information will be available through www.mundellfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations would be most welcome to St. James' Anglican Church, Orillia or a charity of your choice and may be made through the Mundell Funeral Home 705 325-2231. Messages of condolence are welcome at www.mundellfuneralhome.com