STEWART, HELEN - Helen Irene Stewart, 94, of Petitcodiac passed away surrounded by her loving family at the Moncton City Hospital on July 28, 2012 after a brief illness. Born in Drury’s Cove on November 5, 1917, she was a daughter of the late Otis and Maria (nee Richardson) Anderson. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. Always a ready volunteer, Helen worked with the Girl Guide movement (Brownies, guide and ranger). She was a lifetime member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #41 Ladies Auxiliary, and also a member of the Petitcodiac Baptist Church. She was a former member of the Eastern Star as well as the Women’s Institute. Helen spent several years as a NB Tel operator, first in Sussex and then in Petitcodiac. She was predeceased by her much loved husband, Charles on May 22, 2012, and cherished daughter, Shawnie Lynn Hicks in 2009. Helen is survived by son-in-law, Brian Hicks of Moncton; grandson, Scott and his wife Jaimie and their children, Gracie and Madelyn of Moncton; granddaughter, Katie Doyle and her husband Brett and their daughter, Hannah of Moncton; special nieces: Audrey Jones (Ron) of Sussex, Shirley McEvoy and Marlene Hueston; as well as several other nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, husband and daughter, Helen was predeceased by sisters: Myrtle Eveleigh, Gladys Crothers and Freda Mason; and brothers: Ora, John, Leonard and Nelson Anderson. One of Helen’s favorite pastimes was crocheting and knitting for family and friends as well as preparing for special projects for the Westmorland County Fair where she won many treasured ribbons. Even this year her dining room table was covered with articles she had prepared for the fair. Always an avid Bingo player, she and her faithful friends travelled to Waterford to play Bingo all the time. Helen loved to get out, talk and meet with people. She could always be seen at the Wednesday legion dinners and in recent years always accompanied by her faithful friend, Loretta Leaman, who has spent many years helping Helen and Charlie live in their own home. Helen and Charlie always welcomed everyone into their home where many have lived with them over the years, enjoying their friendship and the many wonderful meals cooked by Helen. There was nothing she could not cook. Helen also had a special place in her heart for animals having had many over the years, but none so loved as her special Maggie who has been by her side constantly, especially since Charlie was not at home. She was nana’s special “girl.” Helen’s greatest joy in life was spending time with her grandchildren, Scott and Katie, and in her later years loving her visits from her three special great-granddaughters.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9pm; the funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 1, 2012 at 2:00pm with Pastor David Woodworth presiding all in Armstrong’s Funeral Home, 33 Russell Street, Petitcodiac. Interment will be held in Maplewood Cemetery. Donations to the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #41 Ladies Auxiliary or to the charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family. On-line condolences are available at www.armstrongsfh.com