Jeppesen, Helen Marguerite, 92, died peacefully on March 11. Born in Blue Bell, NB, Helen lived most recently in Brentwood, NS. Predeceased by her parents, Albert and F. Rebecca Bertelsen; brother Fred; husband Carleton. Her strength and spirit live on in sons Fred (Felicity), Ron and daughter, Ruth (Bob Euloth); granddaughters Caroline (Dan Cormier), Signe (Glenn Harrington), Rebecca (Scott Johnson); great-granddaughters and source of great joy Cabella (19 mos), Hannah (6 mos) and Carley (4 mos).

A lifelong learner herself, Helen started teaching as a teenager in a one-room schoolhouse in New Denmark, NB. She taught mostly Grade 2 in Cole Harbour, Woodside and Debert, NS. She especially loved to introduce young children to the classroom of the great outdoors.

Long-time residents of the Truro area, she and Carleton had 55 years together – enjoying family, their little strip of beach on the Northumberland Strait, picnicking and travelling, mostly in a camper van and small motorhome. Helen had many wonderful memories exploring Canada from coast to coast, the northern US, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and Scotland. She visited the North several times, and was especially grateful to visit her brother’s wartime grave in France.

Helen ran her first 10-km run at the age of 56, and was hooked. For 15 years, she was a well-recognized regular on the Run NS circuit and finished many 10-km runs, a number of half marathons and one Johnny Miles full marathon. She was chosen as an Olympic torch bearer in 1988, a moment of great pride.

From working on the farm in her early married life to active participation in St. George’s ACW, Bible Hill to knitting more than 100 baby sets for the Truro hospital auxiliary, Helen worked hard for her family and others. Even as her body became frail, she was concerned about world events and generously supported a number of local and international causes.

A funeral service will be held on Sat, May 2 at 2 pm in St. George’s Anglican Church, Dutch Settlement. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to that church, Doctors Without Borders or a charity of your choice. Condolences can be sent via www.colchestercommunity.com. Thanks to Sheila, Chuck and staff at Brentwood Ponds, and the caring staff at ER, 3-D and Palliative Care at the Colchester East Hants Health Centre.