THOM, Helen

THOM, Helen Irene (nee Hendry) - Slipped away, peacefully, while visiting her daughter in Georgia on Tuesday, April 16, 2013. She was 89. Helen was born to Russ and Fanny Hendry (both predeceased) in the small farming community of Sowerby. After attending Elm Street and Sudbury High Schools, she trained as a nurse at St. Joseph's Hospital in Sudbury and Ottawa. She worked in Ottawa and Windsor before returning to Sudbury. In 1947 Helen married Jim (predeceased in 2000); they settled in Blind River and started their family before moving back to Sudbury in 1951, and working at the Memorial Hospital, primarily in the maternity ward. Grandma loved to garden; the 'big' garden at home in Naughton; the 'other big' garden and the two little gardens, at camp. When she was not attending to the gardens, she enjoyed picking wild berries, fishing, and playing cards. In autumn there was hunting and finding apples on abandoned farms near camp. Of course, all that produce had to be preserved, canned, jammed, jellied or pickled. Known for her knitting, crocheting, incredible quilts; as well as her world famous cookies; neighbours in her apartment recognized her as Skye the yellow lab's constant companion. She was an active member of Knox Church. Above all else Grandma loved her family and was cherished by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Helen leaves her son Russ (Lorna); daughter Linda Shlemkevich (Kevin); grandchildren, Robert Shlemkevich (Karen); Andrea Smith (Ray); Cathy Thom (Ken); Derrick Shlemkevich (Gina); James Thom (Katrina); great grandchildren Helen, Graeme, Aaliyah; and sister-in-law Betty Hendry (Francis predeceased). She is also remembered by Suzette Thom and Craig Shlemkevich. Friends and family are invited to the visitation at Knox Presbyterian Church, 73 Larch St., Sudbury on Sunday, April 28 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm followed by the service at 2:00 pm. Refreshments will be served in the church hall after the service. Interment in the family plot at the Waters Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to Knox Presbyterian Church or the Salvation Army would be welcomed. To light a memorial candle, donations or messages of condolences available on-line atwww.lougheed.org. (Arrangements entrusted to the LOUGHEED FUNERAL HOME).