She was born to Cecil and Marjorie Ritchie at the Halifax Infirmary, Halifax, Nova Scotia and is survived by her brother Douglas (Wendy) Ritchie and is lovingly remembered by her two nephews.
She married Robert Dolby in 1961 and had 5 children with him. They separated in 1985, and she then fell in love with Joseph Matthews. He was the love of her life and they spent over 30 years together until his death in 2015.
Helen was a good and loving mother to her 5 children, Shauna (Malcolm, deceased), Darell, Stephen (Freddi), Rob (wife Annette, both deceased 2022) and Lisa (Craig). She was gifted with many grandchildren and even some great grandchildren.
She was a kindhearted woman who on two different occasions took in a homeless child. In later years, she used her love of crocheting to make blankets and hats, donating them to those in need.
She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
Thank you to everyone for your love and support for her during her illness, and to the family during this difficult time.
A Celebration of Life will take place on at 6:00 pm on Friday, October 3 at Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral Home, 252 Dublin St. N. Guelph.
The family would kindly appreciate donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
