It is with heavy hearts and immense sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother and sister, Helen Robena Fischer (nee Grant) who passed away peacefully at Maison McCulloch Hospice on Saturday, February 24, 2024 surrounded by the love of her family.
Helen “Bean/Beannie” is survived by her loving husband, Doug, of 48 Years. Devoted mother and best friend to her daughter, Elizabeth and her son-in-law Paul Burton. AMAZING and PROUD Grandma Helen to Emma and Jack. Helen is also survived by her dear sister, Beth Grant (Norm Wastila, predeceased). Helen is predeceased by her parents, Douglas and Elma (nee McGuire) Grant and her dear sister Joanne Grant. She is also predeceased by her mother and father-in-law, Carl and Willie Fischer (nee Eby), sister-in-law and brother-in-law Slim (John) and Carole Fader. Helen is survived by her nieces and nephews (some of whom knew her as their beloved Auntie Henna) Jodi, Scott, Chris, Ashley and Brianne. Helen will be deeply missed by her best friend of 60 years, Marlene Rome and her best friend of 50 years, Susan Forbes. She will also be missed by many cousins on the Grant and McGuire side, especially her cousin Pat (Patsy) Hedges and her Aunt Des Murphy.
Helen made a dramatic entrance into this world, almost being born in the raspberry patch on a hot day in July, in Holstein, Ontario. She spent the first 10 years of her life in Holstein, where her father and mother were the proprietors of a local grocery store. The store was attached to the house, so Helen and her sisters had free reign to run between the house and store most times. Helen was especially attracted to the candy counter. Her father eventually was forced to put a lock on the counter! Helen continues to maintain many friendships from her days in Holstein.
Helen moved with her family to Sudbury in July 1962 just before her 10th birthday. She attended R.L. Beattie Public School and Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School. Helen excelled at several sports during her high school days, including volleyball, basketball and track and field, winning many ribbons and trophies. Helen was also a certified lifeguard at Bell Park during summer breaks from school. Helen spent many, many summers in Killarney with the Rome family. She had so many wonderful memories and stories from her time there. Helen attended Western University where she majored in History and Phys Ed and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1974.
Post university, Helen returned to Sudbury where she met her future husband and was employed as a Correctional Officer at Cecil Facer Youth Centre until she took a 5 year pause in her career to care for her new daughter, Elizabeth. Helen returned to the workforce in the 80’s and followed her passion as a self taught artist and worked at Sudbury Paint and Custom Framing for many years. This job allowed her to be deeply involved in the art world.
Helen was an avid member of the Walden Art Club for many years. She was a well known artist in the Sudbury area and sold many of her beautiful paintings over the years. Most of her paintings were created in a small space in their basement.
Helen made one last career move in the late 90’s and trained to become a Personal Support Worker (PSW). She loved her work as a PSW and it became evident that it was not just a job for her, but a calling. Helen approached her job with love and compassion for all of her clients.
Anyone who knew Helen or had an opportunity to be in her yard from May to September knows how picturesque it was. Gardening was her passion which she learnt from her parents who were also avid gardeners. Even on the days she wasn’t feeling well, she would be out in her garden which was as beautiful as the paintings she created.
Thank you to Dr. Richardson for her excellent care, kindness, understanding, compassion and for going above and beyond for Helen as she dealt with various health issues over the last few years.
The family would also like to thank Maison McCulloch Hospice for their amazing care. Helen was there for such a short time, but the staff made it feel like home for us.
As per Helen’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. A celebration of life will take place in the summer. Donations in her memory can be made to the Maison McCulloch Hospice at www.lougheedfuneralhomes.com