STEPHENS, Helen (née Kerr)
December 25, 2022

It is with great sadness that we share the news that Helen died peacefully, on Christmas Day, after a four-month bout with lung cancer. Much-loved mother of Kathryn and Ken (Cathy Elliott). Adored Grandma of Matt (Megan), Cam, and Pete. Let’s not forget the great-grands who lit up her final days – Aidan and Darragh. The eldest of five, Helen was big sister to four brothers, three of whom married women named Donna. She is survived by her youngest brother, David Kerr (Donna, of course), and is sadly predeceased by Gord (Donna), Doug (Ann!), and Ken (Donna).

Helen was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan to parents Dave Kerr and Margaret (Peggy) Manson, both of Scotland. Peggy was a hoot, and her wit infused her progeny. Helen grew up in Regina, and although her children were not born there, they considered it their hometown. Eventually, her husband was transferred to Quebec, and she travelled to Montreal with two young children in 1964.

Helen was the consummate volunteer, doing whatever jobs were assigned at the Dorval Library until COVID ended her stint after over forty years. She supported her children in their activities at Beechwood School and Dorval High, played golf with the Niners at Royal Montreal, read constantly, bowled, and loved playing bridge. She even smiled (mostly) through the era of the Stella Marris – a 40′ mahogany cruiser with shag (!) carpeting and 40 windows that required cleaning each week.

Friends and family admired Helen for her grace and generosity; she was the classy lady of the family. Having grown up poor, she adapted to the loftier heights of privilege. When life dealt her a new hand, she invested in the three grandsons who love her dearly. She bought them ugly socks for Christmas and signed every card “Luv ‘n stuff”.

It was a tremendous blessing for Helen and her family that she spent her last two months at the Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence. Her care was “sans pareil” in the most tranquil and beautiful of spaces. She would be delighted to know that you made a gift in her name to this exceptional haven for people approaching the end of life. You can give at https://residencesoinspalliatifs.ca/en/donate/