Forever loved, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother. Helen passed away very peacefully, Sunday, September 27, at the age of 88.
Helen was born in Swift Current, Sask. January 1st, 1921, daughter of Ada May and George Gordon Torrans. Helen was predeceased by her husband of 49 years, Thomas Henry Henderson, her parents, and 15 siblings. Helen is survived by one sister, Paulina Hiebert and many nieces and nephews, her son, George Henderson (Kerry), daughters, Maureen Kimoto (Richard), and Cindy Cyr (Ken), six grandsons James Henderson, Jordan Henderson (Melanie), Aaron Kimoto (Stephanie), Sean Cyr (Ashley), Joel Cyr (Carolyn), Marc Cyr ( Kim), and 3 great-grandchildren Jessie Henderson, Mason Henderson, and Duncan-John.
As a young woman, Helen enjoyed being actively involved in her church, where she regularly sang with 3 of her many sisters as a quartet. After meeting and marrying Tom, who was stationed for a short period of time in the area, as a member of the R.A.F. Shortly thereafter, Helen left for England, to join Tom at his new posting. Unfortunately Tom had been reposted to Italy before she arrived. Helen lived in England for 3 years, during which time their first child George was born. Helen enjoyed her time in England, living with her new mother-in-law, and getting to know Tom’s family. She had many good memories and humorous stories to tell about her time there.
When the war ended Helen and Tom, along with their son George, returned to Canada with the help and sponsorship of Helen’s sister Poly and her husband Henry. They settled in Chilliwack, where they spent their remaining years. Three years later they welcomed the arrival of their first daughter Maureen, followed by Cindy 9 years later.
Helen always had a large garden, which produced much of our food for the year. She was a great cook and made the best pies we have ever tasted. Under the guidance of her good friend and neighbor, Mr. Cameron, she was pleased to learn about grafting of fruit trees and the care of roses. Helen always enjoyed the outdoors.
In her later years, Helen participated in the carpet-bowling league at the Salvation Army Church. Mom’s love for music, continued throughout her life, spending many hours playing her harmonica, organ, piano, and harpsichord.
Our Mom had a wonderful sense of humor and a friendly and caring heart. Throughout her years in Chilliwack, Our Mother Helen, formed and enjoyed many lasting friendships. Her later years were spent as a resident of both The Waverly, and Heritage Village. Many more friendships were formed while in their care, our family will be forever grateful to the staff.
Funeral service will be held at The Chilliwack Alliance Church, 8700 Young Rd. Chilliwack, B.C. Sat., Oct. 3, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. Interment to follow, at Chilliwack Cemetery, 10010 Hillcrest Drive, Chilliwack, B.C. Rev. Ken Cyr presiding.
Online condolences can be left at www.hendersonsfunerals.com