MacARTHUR, HELEN F. - 1930 - 2015 - Helen F. MacArthur, whose world was her family, died Sunday at The Moncton Hospital after a lengthy battle with cancer. She was 85.
Born Helen Frances Smith in Bouctouche on Ground Hog Day in 1930, Helen was the daughter of the late Jennie (McNairn) and Merritt Smith, a welder with the CN Shops.
Helen grew up in Bouctouche during the 1930s and 1940s and graduated from Bouctouche High School and later Success Business College in Moncton. Her first job was with Read Co. in Moncton and she also worked at Blue Cross. She was later employed at the Moncton campus of the New Brunswick Community College from 1976 until 1994, retiring as executive secretary for former principal Ashley Sobey.
Helen embraced everything about her family and was a good friend to many who cherished her kindness, companionship and loving heart. Everyone will remember Helen’s smile. She raised her family in the New West End on Mount Royal Boulevard, part of a neighbourhood with a strong sense of community.
Helen was very active in her church, Mount Royal United Church. She sang in the choir all her church life and was a “cherished sister” of the Craft Group and a lifetime member of the UCW, sharing good conversation and laughter.
But her world was her family and she will be sadly missed and forever remembered by her daughters, Susan (Lou Buckley) of Church Hill, Tennessee and Jill (Murray Guy) of Allison, NB; sister, Sherry Smith and brothers, James (Jimmy) (wife Claudette), Laurie and Jack Smith, all of Moncton; granddaughters, Amy (Rob Schilke) of Richmond, VA and Paige Guy of Moncton; grandsons, Adam Bourque of Los Angeles, CA; Josh Bourque of Louisville, KY; great-grandchildren Millie Rose, Cole, Lucas and Faith Hellyer, all of Richmond, VA; nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by two brothers, Lloyd and Winston and a sister, Norma (Nowlan) and by her former husband, Dean MacArthur.
A very special thank you to the Oncology Clinic nursing staff and to Dr. Sheldon Rubin.
In honoring Helen’s wishes, there will be no visitation hours. A Service to celebrate Helen’s life will be held at Mount Royal United Church, 106 Mount Royal Blvd., on Saturday, September 5, 2015 at 2:00 pm, with The Rev. Dr. Beverly Daley officiating. Reception following the service. Interment will be held at Fair Haven Memorial Gardens.
Fergusons Funeral Home, 1657 Mountain Road, Moncton (858-1995) in care of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Friends of The Moncton Hospital (Oncology Unit), the N.B. Kidney Foundation, Mount Royal United Church or memorial of the donor’s choice would be appreciated. Online condolences at www.fergusonsfuneralhome.com