Helen McCann

Helen was predeceased by her beloved husband, John McCann (2007), and her cherished daughter, Mary Gismondi (2014). She was also predeceased by her parents, Henry and Laura Beitz, her brothers Sherwood and Richard (Janet) Beitz, and her sister Jeanne (Ross Ante).

She will be dearly missed by her devoted son Patrick and her special daughter-in-law Joanne, as well as her loving grandchildren: Amy Gismondi, Jason McCann (Allison), Julia McCann (Spencer), and Angela Gismondi (Andrew). Helen was especially proud to become a great-grandmother to Lilly McCann, who brought her so much joy. She’ll be fondly remembered by her extended family members and friends.

Helen lived a full and happy life. She was a wonderful cook, loved a good game of euchre, and rarely missed cheering for her Blue Jays. She enjoyed her crossword puzzles, and found joy completing them with her grandchildren in her final weeks. Practical, graceful, and deeply loving, Helen valued the simple things in life and faced every stage with dignity and strength—always doing things her way.

In her later years, Helen made her home at Stone Lodge in Guelph, where she formed many friendships and received excellent care. Her family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the dedicated teams at Guelph General Hospital and St. Joseph’s Health Centre for the compassion and kindness shown to Helen in her final weeks.

Cremation has taken place, and there will be a private family interment.

As expressions of sympathy, and in lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations made in Helen’s memory to the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides.