Helen Edith Nesbitt

It is with sadness, and gratitude for a life well lived and loved, that we announce the passing of our mother, Helen Edith Nesbitt, peacefully on January 21, 2022.

Helen was born to Alfred and Mabel Waite (nee Best), on August 8, 1934, in Summerside, PEI. Her mother passed away when Helen was a toddler. Her father then married Esther Craig in 1937. Helen was predeceased by her husband, Thomas W. Nesbitt, in 1994; her father, Alfred, her step-mother, Esther, and her half-brothers, William Waite and Harold Waite. She is survived by her children, Debra (David) Houston, James Nesbitt, Laurie Jordan, and Michael Nesbitt, as well as grandchildren Lyndsay Houston, Amy Houston (Dale Davies & great-grandchildren Tully and Maverick Davies), April Jordan (Gary Sarcida), Christina Nesbitt (Kevin Nenka), Matthew Nesbitt, and Daniel Nesbitt. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Eileen Waite, and many nieces and nephews living coast to coast.

Helen was blessed, in later life, to enjoy a relationship with lifelong friend Frank Kenny; they lived together in Red Deer Alberta as of 2001. Due to declining health, Mom returned to Winnipeg in December 2018 to be closer again to her family. Our beloved Frank passed away suddenly in December 2019. Mom was loved by his children, Karen Kenny and Terry Kenny (Helen), and their relatives.

Mom and Dad were married on September 6, 1952, in Summerside, PEI. They were a military family, living across Canada for over 35 years, until their 1990 retirement in Winnipeg. Dad passed away suddenly in 1994. Helen supported her family, unconditionally, through joys and challenges alike.

Mom was a respected secretary on military bases for years, sold Avon and her handicrafts. She was a skilled seamstress, and enjoyed knitting and crocheting. She donated crafted mitts/slippers to charities. She loved gardening in the summer months and taking trips back to her Island home to visit family.

At her passing, Mom was a member of the Fort Garry United Church in Winnipeg. Thanks are offered to the staff, members, and volunteers of the Fort Garry United Church for their prayers and cards, especially during COVID lockdowns when family visits were limited.

Mom, you are missed greatly, and we appreciate the love and life lessons shared. You will be forever in our hearts and prayers.

Many thanks to Dr. Tim Ross, and the staff and volunteers at Golden Door Geriatric Centre. You

provided excellent care, and always with respect and compassion.

Cremation has taken place and a family service is being planned for a later date. Interment will take place, in PEI, at a later date as well. Arrangements are with Thomson “In the Park” Funeral Home in Winnipeg (www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/winnipeg-mb/thomson-in-the-park-funeralhome-and-cemetery/3754).

If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fort Garry United Church memorial fund

(www.fortgarryunited.ca) in Helen's memory.

She loved this verse:

WHEN I AM GONE

When I am gone, remember I am with Jesus.

Then do not grieve because I've passed away;

Life holds so many griefs and disappointments,

And, will you weep because I did not stay?

'Tis only for a spell we must be parted,

Not many years on earth to us are given;

And when my Saviour tells me you are coming,

I'll go with Him and welcome you to Heaven.