Helen Patricia Manke

Helen Patricia Manke passed away on Tuesday, November 4,2025 at the age of 85 in Brandon, Mississippi. Helen was born on March 6, 1940, in Brooklyn, NY to the late Ellen "Nellie" Kiely Leahy and Thomas J. Leahy.
Helen lived in Smithtown, NY with her late husband, William C. Canton and children and then moved to the Reservoir area in Brandon, Mississippi in 1978. Helen spent the following years as a wife and mother and worked as a bank teller. She was active in the garden club, enjoyed playing tennis, and loved spending time on the water and spending time with her family, friends and neighbors. After the passing of her husband, Bill, years later she married Terry Manke, who preceded her in death in April 2022. During the following years, she and Terry lived on the water at the Reservoir and spent time living in Helsinki, Finland and Milan, Italy for several years. During that time, Helen had the opportunity to travel to many different countries and experience different cultures. As exciting as the traveling was, Helen was very happy to get back home to be close to her family and friends. In later years, Helen enjoyed time with her grandsons, sons, daughters-in-law and her beloved dog, Amber. She enjoyed reading, movies and never missed an opportunity to get out with friends.
Helen leaves behind her son William Canton (Adena) of Clinton, MS and son Brian Canton (Mandy) of Brandon, MS; Grandchildren, Bradley Canton of San Diego, CA, Brennan Canton of Houston, TX and Chase Canton (Destinee) of Vienna, VA, Gena' Canton of Jackson, MS (mother of Bradley and Chase Canton) and great granddaughter Emily Canton. She leaves behind nieces Donna Seely (Jonathan) of Portland, Oregon and Dorine Gallo (Joseph) of Wildwood, MO. Helen also leaves behind many friends and extended family that loved her dearly and will miss her.
A visitation will be held on Saturday November 8,2025 from 2-3 PM at Natchez Trace Funeral Home in Madison, MS. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cheshireabbey.rescueme.org.