Helen P. MacKay – 94, Truro, passed away Monday, June 30, 2014, at Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow. Born in Riversdale, she was the daughter of the late Lawrence and Mary Ella (Maxwell) MacKay.
Helen graduated from Maritime College of Pharmacy in 1954 as a Certified Drug Dispenser. This was her career until retiring from Colchester Hospital Pharmacy in 1985. After retiring, she enjoyed numerous trips across Canada and various locations in the United States. She loved to read, and the Chicken Soup books were her favourite, making crafts and knitting her mittens. Sometime she would knit a pair a day to ensure she had at least 100 pairs ready for the Christmas season. Her passion was going to yard sales and Christmas teas. Helen took great pride in her green thumb for growing the most beautiful African Violets. She was a life member of the UCW of St. David’s United Church (Hannah Unit) and honourary member of Colchester Chapter IODE.
Helen is survived by her daughter, Judy (Wendell) Brown, Truro; sons, Karl (Pat), Slave Lake, Alberta; Alan (Helen), Truro; granddaughter, Nanny’s pride and joy, Kerry Ellen (Dylan), Doylestown, Pennsylvania; grandsons, Michael (Crystal), Onslow; Brent (Karen), Slave Lake, Alberta; Tim (Joanna), Cornwall, Prince Edward Island; Neil (Andrea), Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta; great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and "Aunt Honey" to her many nieces and nephews. Helen was the last surviving member of her immediate family. Along with her parents, she was predeceased by sisters, Jean Plamondon, Dorothy Delaney, Gertrude Carter, Isabel Cameron, Margaret Steinman, Sue Kirkpatrick; brothers, Harold, Lawrence and twins in infancy. Special thanks to the staff of Williams Country Home for Special Care, Hilden, for their kindness, concern and compassionate care of Mother.
All are welcome to attend a reception to celebrate and remember Helen's life at 3 p.m., Friday, August 15, 2014, at St. David's United Church Hall, 149 Pictou Road, Bible Hill. Private family interment will be held at a later date in MacLean Cemetery, Riversdale. If so desired, donations in Helen’s memory to Colchester SPCA are welcomed. Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing Helen’s obituary on-line and selecting "Send A Condolence" at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com