Obituary of Helen Marie McCondach

She died the way she lived her life – low-key, no fussing around and not wanting to be a bother.  Helen, age 93, died peacefully and rather suddenly on Friday, November 12 after being admitted to hospital just 48 hours before. This is how you wanted it, mom, and, as a testament to your planning and organizational skills, you got it. 

Helen was one of those people who was just nice -- a kind person -- and a dear friend Gail said it best: “She was a lovely lady and very kind to me, as you know! You got lucky in the parents department!”  How right she was.

Born and raised in Regina, she was married to Bob (deceased) for 54 years and had two children, Mark and Maureen (deceased); Maureen’s husband Rick who continued to pay visits; two grandchildren Meghan (married to Tim who was a great help to Helen on their Saturday shopping outings);  and Rob; a great grandson Zane; older brother George (deceased); and sister Margaret, who’s still going strong. She also had three nieces, Pam, Pat and Judy (deceased). In particular, Pat and her husband Randy were a great help to her over the last few years, taking her to appointments and making sure she was always stocked up with goodies. This will forever be appreciated.

She lived for many years at Wintergreene Estates and was well known there and very active in that community. Special thanks to her neighbour Shirley for helping out, especially during the first months of the pandemic.  Her last seven months were at Harbour Landing Village where, as she started to decline in health, the compassion, professionalism and kindness of the staff was of great comfort to her and the family.

There are many who carry fond memories of her (more than we’ll ever know) and who were touched just by knowing her, including: James, who loved seeing her and enjoyed showing her around Ottawa on her visits; Will and Julie, who hosted a memorable Thanksgiving Day dinner in 2014 (which mom still talked about all these years later). And this one, from family friend David, an example of how a small act of kindness can make a lasting impact more than 50 years later: “When I was in public school my parents could never get time to come to parents day and your mom would always stop by with your dad for a short visit. She was lovely.”

There will be no formal service (just not her style) but in the spring we will gather together at graveside to say goodbye one last time.

Instead of flowers or donations Helen would love if we could just treat each other with kindness.

I give you this one thought to keep

I am with you still – do not weep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.

I am the gentle autumn’s rain.

When you awaken in the morning’s hush,

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not think of me as gone –

I am with you still – in each new dawn.