It is with heavy hearts that the family of Helen Smith announces that she passed away January 26, 2012 peacefully at the age of 86 with her four children by her bedside. Helen will be missed by her many friends and family members who were a great comfort to her during her brief illness.

Helen was an amazing person with a strong sense of family which was passed on to all of her children. Helen spent her whole life in Truro and was active in the community with her curling club, bridge club, swimming group, hooking club and in the church (First Baptist). Helen and her family will be forever thankful to all those who provided her with transportation to her respective activities. She always has a smile and a meal (or cookies) for all who dropped by. A heartfelt thanks from the family to Dr. Harold Berghuis, Dr. Kris Srivatsa, the nursing staff and the entire stroke team on 4 East of the Colchester Regional Hospital for their compassion and extraordinary care.

Helen is survived by her children, Suzanne (Bob) Thomas, Naples, Florida; Shari (Eric) Glinz, Bible Hill; Herb (Kathy) Smith, Fort McMurray, Alberta; Kay (Steve) Zinck, Halifax; brothers, Jack MacDonald, Truro; Logan MacDonald, Georgetown, Ontario; grandchildren, Tara, Justin, Andrew, Dawn, Gerald, Kristin, Darcy, Alex; great grandchildren, Laura and Elias. She was predeceased by her husband, Russel Smith, and brother, Milton MacDonald.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall-Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro where the family will receive friends from 6:30-7:30 pm Sunday, January 29, 2012 and from where a funeral service will be held 2 pm Monday, January 30, 2012, Reverend John Tonks officiating. Reception to follow and interment is to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in memory of Helen to the First Baptist Church or the Arthritis Society of Nova Scotia. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting the “Guest Book” at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com