Helene Elizabeth Royes

Died peacefully at Cummer Lodge on Monday, September 4, 2017 at the age of 94. Predeceased two years ago by her beloved husband of 63 years, Lewis.

Born in the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at the Homeopathic Hospital, July 8, 1923. At the age of 6, during the first year of the Great Depression, the family emigrated to Winnipeg, Manitoba. Helene was always very musical and at an early age dreamed of becoming an opera singer. She was active at St. Mary’s University as editor with the student newspaper and acted in the drama club.

Helene moved to Toronto in 1948 with Phyllis Rayner and joined the Newman Club where she met her husband Lewis. Helene formed a catechism group, was a member of St. Edwards Parish and later St. Gabriel’s Passionist Parish.

Helene taught French in the Metro Toronto Separate School Board, grades 7 and 8 at St. Leonard’s Elementary School, and then was appointed Head of Religious Education at St. Robert High School, York Region Separate School Board. After retiring from teaching, Helene was appointed to the Chancery Office, Archdiocese of Toronto, as Director of Religious Education. Helene is the first lay person and woman to hold this position. His Eminence G. Emmett Cardinal Carter bestowed papal honours on June 21, 1987. Pope John Paul II bestowed the Cross pro Ecclesia et Pontifice a distinction given in recognition of distinguished works and zeal.

Helene leaves her son Paul (Kelly Ann Belton), daughter Clare Gallagher and grandchildren Alexandra, Edward, Patrick Royes, Elizabeth, Andrew and Annie Gallagher. Helene was a woman of tireless energy and service, generosity, peace, kindness, love and compassion.

Funeral Mass Saturday, September 9th at 10 a.m., St. Gabriel’s Passionist Parish, 670 Sheppard Ave. East, North York.