On December 9th, 2011 Helen passed away peacefully at Princess Court with her family by her side.
Mom was predeceased by her parents Peter and Nellie Holmes, husband Charles, brother Robert and son in law Chris Deakers. Mom is survived and will be sadly missed by sister, Dean Benford, brother Arthur Holmes and her children Carol, Wayne (Ronalda), Trudy and David (Jenny), along with 8 grandchildren – Michael (Tracey), Michelle (Kendall), Troy (Lynnessa), Shawn (Ted), Todd (Susan), Carolyn (Alan), Craig and Marc; 11 great grandchildren ;Cassanadra, Paige and Nicholas Metz; Sarah and Brett Zarowny; Sam and Kate Metz; Rachel and Charlie Launder; Lincoln Hayes; step great grandson Kaillob Astles. She is also survived by sister in law Ellen Friesen and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mom was born September 17, 1922 in Pine Grove on the family farm. She married Charles William Launder from Minnitaki on December 27, 1941. After the war they resided in Dryden raising four children. Mom returned to school, to fulfill a lifelong dream and graduated as a RNA in 1978. She worked at Patricia Gardens. In later years Mom travelled extensively through Canada and the United States sightseeing and visiting family. She also travelled to Europe once with the Lake Superior Regiment and the second time with family. Her most memorable trips were to Hawaii with her daughters and sister and also to Alaska with Ron, Betty and her sister Dean. Family being very important Mom attended all family events. One of Mom’s many accomplishments was her award for volunteer of the year for Dryden Extended Care organization. Over the years she was involved as a leader for the Girl Guide Association. She was involved with the Ladies Auxiliary of the Legion and other community organizations; she was a lifelong member of the Dryden Go-Getters. She was a member of St. Luke’s Anglican Church the ACW and the daughters of St. Luke. Mom’s favourite pastimes were gardening, knitting, camping, bingo and having a good hand at cribbage.
A celebration of Helen’s Life was held at St. Luke’s Anglican Church on December 14th, 2011. Interment will be held at a later date at Minnitaki. If friends and family wish they may make a donation to Princess Court DECO through the Stevens Funeral Homes P.O. Box 412 Dryden ON P8N 2Z1. Condolences may be emailed to sympathycard@shaw.ca subject: Launder
