Obituary of Helen-Gertrude Byrne

BYRNE MACLEOD, HELEN GERTRUDE - March 8, 1917 to March 13, 2006. It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Aunt Helen, matriarch of our far-flung clan. Predeceased by her beloved husband Gordon in Oct 2004, her devoted and loving spouse with whom she enjoyed the latter years of her life. Born in Saint John, NB, one of 11 children of Joseph and Letitia Byrne, Helen leaves behind her remaining sibling, Betty Haynes, Digby, NS; her many, many nieces and nephews, their children and grandchildren. She also leaves behind countless friends, some she has known since childhood. All of us love her dearly and are going to miss her deeply. Helen worked her entire career at CP Telecommunications in Saint John, and upon retirement in 1977, married her Gordon and moved to the West Coast to begin a new life with him. She was well travelled and enjoyed many vacations overseas with friends, as well as many trips "back East" once married. We will miss her intelligence and quick wit, her independence and determination (she preferred "determined" to "stubborn"), her great sense of style, her limitless kindness and generosity of spirit, all accompanied by her sharp sense of humour. Any visit or phone call with Helen was sure to include a really good laugh about some of life's funny moments. Even at the end of her life, her humour amazed and comforted us. Helen wished to be cremated; there will be no funeral service. A private reception will be held this month; interment will take place later this year at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Saint John, NB. Donations to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society are appreciated. Farewell to a special lady. [Telegraph-Journal]