Helena Marie Columbus

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Helena Marie Columbus (nee Roche), in her 92nd year, on Wednesday January 8th, 2025 at Idlewyld Manor, in Hamilton, Ontario. Beloved wife of the late Bernard Columbus. Devoted (Step) Mother to Michael (JoAnne), Michele (Bob Beisel), Rick (Marlene), Allan (Lori), Steven, Adele (Glen Landry) and Dan (Kora). Cherished Grandmother, or affectionately, Ma, to Bryan (Silvia), Scott and Allison, Rebecca, Andrew (Jacklyn), Samantha (Dylan) and Brittney (Riley), Devin and Alicia (Daniel). Helena was thrilled to become a first time Great-Grandmother (GG) to Bryan and Silvia’s son, Sebastian (Baz).

Helena was born on October 27th, 1933 in Glenfanning, PE. Daughter of the late Harold & Margaret (nee Rice) Roche. Much loved sister of Lorraine MacMillan (and the late Kaye MacMillan), and Mary Lanigan (and the late Art Lanigan). She is predeceased by her brothers Irving Roche & Louis Roche. Treasured Aunt to Sandra (Fred Peirce), Maureen, Doug (Erika), Paula, and Michelle (Greg McCormick). Helena spent many summers with her nieces and nephew at the family farm in Prince Edward Island as they grew up, often reminiscing of the many wonderful memories made there. Adored Great-Aunt to Shannon & Connor Peirce, Ryan, Michaela and Carlie MacMillan, and Conrad & Milan Novakovic. And recent Great-Great Aunt to Carlie & Nick Nwadei’s daughter, Collins. Loved Sister-in-law to Bob Columbus, Anne Columbus and Velma Columbus-Jackson. Special sister-in-law to Gerald and Ruth, Stewart and Anne Marie, Lima (Kevin) and Michael (McIntyre).

Helena was an amazing teacher, starting her career in a one-room schoolhouse in PEI, and eventually making her way to Hamilton, Ontario to teach at St. Margaret Mary and Sts. Peter & Paul schools. She taught for over 30 years with the Hamilton Wentworth Catholic District School Board and would often run into past students who would thank her for being such a wonderful teacher. She loved these moments. She took great pride in being a teacher and loved her students.

Helena practiced her faith with great commitment. She and Bernard were long-time parishioners at Annunciation of Our Lord Parish where Helena was a member of the CWL, a regular volunteer within the church, and an extraordinary minister. Her faith was a very important part of her life, and we could always count on her to remember us in her nightly prayers or rosary.

Helena was blessed with many close, lifelong friends, some who traveled from Prince Edward Island to Ontario with her, some who she met throughout her teaching career, and some who were neighbours that became like family. It was always important to her to maintain those relationships. Helena joined our Columbus Family later in life, marrying Bernard in 1990 and instantly adding 7 children to her responsibilities! She was a blessing to our family, and we are so grateful for the impact she has had on all our lives. She will be greatly missed and remembered with so much love.

Heartfelt thanks to the many staff members at Idlewyld Manor who took extraordinary care of Helena for the time that she was there. We are eternally grateful for the love and care you showed her. Donations in Helena’s memory may be made to the Hamilton SPCA, a charity of your choice, or simply pay a kindness forward in her name.

Cheers Ma. To life everlasting...