Helen June Dodge

Dodge, Helen June – of Dartmouth passed away suddenly at home on Friday, Nov 21, she was 86. She was born June 17, 1928 to Susan (Wright) of Gays River and Gordon Cook of Halifax, NS. She was predeceased by her parents, brother Murray, and sister Edythe. The love of her life, her husband John, passed away in March of 2009. They had almost 60 wonderful years together. They had four sons, Jim (Linda) Truro, Stephen (Holly) Dartmouth, Peter (Shelagh) Dartmouth and Gary (Elizabeth) Johannesburg; 10 grandchildren Graham, Christopher, Alex , Jaclyn, Jennifer, Nicholas, Julia, Rebecca, Caroline and Benjamin and one very recent great-grandchild Brantley. Helen loved all her family especially the family get-togethers which were very special to her whether it was at their home here in Dartmouth, at their condo in Fairway Trace in Florida or at their cottage on the Amherst shore near Pugwash, her family meant everything to her. Helen grew up in Halifax and attended Chebucto Rd School and Queen Elizabeth High School then on to secretarial school at Mount Allison University. Helen had the honor of being the second graduating class from Queen Elizabeth high school and ironically, one of her grandsons Christopher was from the second last graduating class from the same school before it was closed. It was while at her first job with the Prudential Insurance Co. of America in the Roy Building in Halifax where she met John. It was love at first sight even though he didn’t know it at the time.

John and Helen lived in Amherst then Truro before moving to Dartmouth in 1961 to take over the Fairley and Stevens Mercury dealership. Helen quickly became a very important influence in the business where she became the core of social activities. Helen belonged to the chapters of the I.O.D.E in Truro and in Amherst, was a former member and president of the ladies Kinettes in Amherst and a member of the Ladies Kiwanis Auxiliary in Dartmouth. She was past president of the Northumberland Ladies Golf club and also a member of the Dartmouth branch of the IWK. She was an avid reader and member of three golf courses- Peridia in Florida, Brightwood in Dartmouth and Northumberland in Pugwash. Helen was infamous for her unusual golf swing but it didn’t stop her from getting her photo taken after a hole-in-one at Peridia. Music played a major part in Helen and John’s lives. John played the clarinet with the Dixiteck 7 and musical parties erupted everywhere a piano could be found especially when Helen could organize it. Over the years, Helen and John were fortunate to travel the world with Ford Motor Company. There were few places they didn’t see. Later on in life, Helen and John made an epic journey together to South Africa to visit family. Helen returned on her own just a year ago at 85 to see her kids and grandkids and experience an African safari. Helen was a warm, caring and loving person and felt blessed with her wonderful family and great friends. Special love to Sheila and Brian Compton of South Africa, Shirley Wells, Shelagh Thomson and Maggie Wark. Visitation will take place 6 – 8pm on Friday, November 28, 2014 in A. L. Mattatall Funeral Home 217 Portland Street. A memorial service will be held 2 pm Sunday, November 30, in Grace United Church, Rev. Krista Anderson officiating. A private family committal will take place at a later date in Holy Trinity Cemetery, Middleton, NS. Family flowers only. Donations may be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of choice. Online condolences may be viewed or sent to www.mattatallfuneralhome.com