Helga Marie Kiely

It is with great regret that we announce the passing of Helga Marie Kiely, our beloved matriarch and the heart of our family. Uncompromisingly supportive wife for over 55 years to Kevin, cherished mother to Paula (Bradley) and Christopher, loving grandmother to Kaitlyn and Megan, loyal sister to Frances (Nick), Frank (Mary) and Brian (Beverly), doting and generous aunt to many. Predeceased by her parents Anne and Frank.

Born in wartime Yugoslavia and losing her father (Nicholas) at war some two years later, her heroic mother fled with her from the throes of communism under Tito, literally escaping to Canada in 1947. Early days were not easy, but with Helga’s grandparents later joining them in Canada, she was raised in Holland Landing and in Toronto. Her mother would later marry Frank, who raised Helga throughout her formative years, and was a guiding force from Helga’s formative years until his passing.

Despite the tumultuous early years of Helga’s life, she had a prized childhood and adolescence, was a great friend to many, and always at the center of her many social circles. Upon marrying the love of her life Kevin in 1969, they would eventually settle in Thornhill, Ontario where they raised their young family for the next twenty years. They raised their children while Helga worked intermittently as an office manager in the construction trades.

Finally settling in Newmarket, Ontario, Helga would complete her child rearing years, engaging in the community and attending to her copious interests and hobbies in her retirement. By even the most modest measure, Helga lived a full life and held family dear to her heart, providing much love and support to many of us, including her numerous nieces and nephews. The bond and affection for her darling granddaughters, Kaitlyn and Megan, rounded out the bonds she held so dear for her family.

Helga’s family has a great gift in the multitude of loved ones that offered an immense amount of support during her trying years - so many to acknowledge, but in the interest of brevity, we would like to mention her dear friends Marg, Gail, Glenn & Claire, Bonnie, Annette, Elaine and Cheryll.

Helga’s family members have all been steadfast in their care and support, but we would like to express our everlasting gratitude to family members Frances, Mary, Beverly, Linda, Lorraine, Cathy, Barb. Indeed, Helga and our family are blessed with an amazing and special family.

Lastly, Helga’s family would like to express their appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Baguio, as well as the RSW team at Amica Assisted Living, Newmarket.

Memorial Visitation for Helga will be held Sunday, May 4, 2025 from 1 - 4 pm and Monday, May 5, 2025 from 12 - 1 pm at Thompson Funeral Home, 530 Industrial Parkway South, Aurora, ON L4G6W8.

Memorial Service at Thompson Funeral Home to follow at 1 pm, Monday, May 5, 2025, with a reception following service at 2 pm

Contributions in Helga's memory may be made to Margaret Bahen Hospice, myhospice.ca or Stronach Cancer Centre, https://southlake.ca/foundation/about/donate/