Helene MacKenzie
Born In: SYDNEY, Nova Scotia, Canada
Born: January 26th, 1941
Passed in: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Passed on: June 24th, 2010
MacKenzie, Helene Virginia (nee McKinnon) has entered the deepest withinness. On June 24, 2010, Helene left her physical body and continues her path along the Infinite Way. Helene's earthly presence will be missed by her devoted husband John Carson, daughters Leesa (Don Drury) and Colette (Gordon Southam) and sons John (Nicole Bean) and Mikhail. Her grandchildren John-Paul, Mikayla, Noah, Emily, Nathan and Izaiah will treasure their memories: investigating 'life through the ages', being quizzed on vocabulary, playing poker, watching YouTube and talking about/experiencing life with Nanny who cherished and relished their skills and abilities. Helene was predeceased by her patient and loving parents Michael Anthony and Mary Hilda (nee Landry), her eldest brother Robert (Maddie), her brothers-in-law Francis Burke and Robert MacKenzie and sister-in-law Mary McKinnon. She will be lovingly remembered by her siblings John (Berta McKay), Marie, Gregory (Beverly), Lorene, and Michael (Mary), dozens of nieces, nephews, god children and her lifelong best friend Cleta (Barry McCullough). Helene was the seventh child born into a very close family, and although she did object to the displaying of the 'family portrait' which was taken before her birth, she revelled in her status as 'the baby'. Helene was a girl who coloured outside of the lines and that definitely never changed. Consistent with her family's values, Helene found her calling as a teacher of nursing and she inspired generations of student nurses to 'focus on the needs of the patient'. Helene was a lifelong seeker, steeped in the wonders of the Arts, Psychology, History, Philosophy and Literature -- the works of Joel Goldsmith and Joseph Campbell becoming her constant companions for these many past years. No one will be surprised that Helene did not want a traditional funeral service. Private celebrations will be held when we are ready and Helene's theme song I Am Woman should be played loudly with accompanying singing and dancing (and yes on top of the piano, if you wish). Helene wanted to extend heartfelt thanks to her family doctor Mohammad Sabouba, oncologist Marko Simunovic, their gracious staffs, all the home care professionals and those at McMaster University Hospital, the Hamilton Cancer Assistance Program and all of her patients, students, dear friends and relations to whom she was not able to say good-bye.
