July 10, 1919 - October 14, 2015
Helen Olive Roy, known as Helen, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2015 at Christenson Village in Gibsons. She was 96 and had been predeceased in 2013 by her husband of 69 years, Doug Roy.
The family invites you to a gathering to honour Helen on Saturday, October 24, 2015 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Legion Hall in Roberts Creek. There will be a brief ceremony of remembrance at 2:00 pm followed by stories and mingling.
Helen was born in Melita, Manitoba to Mary and William Heath on July 10, 1919. She left Melita in 1938 to study at United College, now the University of Winnipeg. She went on to the University of Manitoba and was awarded her Bachelor of Social Work degree as a member of its first graduating class. While living in Winnipeg, she met Doug Roy, whom she married in 1943. She started her career as a social worker in Winnipeg 1942.
Helen and Doug lived in Ottawa, Port Arthur and Victoria before settling in the Lower Mainland in the mid-1950s. They maintained a presence on the Sunshine Coast and in Vancouver until they moved to Roberts Creek permanently in 1975. During those years, she continued her career in the Vancouver area. In 1976, she joined the Ministry of Human Resources on the Sunshine Coast where she worked until 1984.
As well as having a busy professional life, Helen had many interests. On taking up permanent residence on the Coast in 1975, she and Doug welcomed many community members into their home. Guests would meet Helen’s champion Kerry Blue terriers the minute the front door opened. Many friends admired Helen’s feisty commitment to her interests. She was an active supporter of the development of Cliff Gilker Park, Sunshine Coast Community Services, Sunshine Coast Raging Grannies, the Parent Tot Centre and the Nation of Roberts Creek. At the same time, she founded the Western Canada Kerry Blue Terrier Club and bred champion Kerries.
The Grannies were a perfect outlet for Helen’s lifelong interest in social activism in the areas of human rights, peace and the environment. As a participant in the arts, Helen loved singing and performing with Nikki Weber and Jackie Allen as the Hot Potatoes. She lent her support to many arts groups on the Coast.
Helen is survived by her daughter Susan (Jacob Stoller), grandsons Mark, Jonathan and Benjamin Stoller, and her son Peter.
Heartfelt thanks go to the caregivers, staff and friends who cared for her at Christenson Village. Thanks as well to the Heath/Roy/Appenheimer nieces and nephews for their love and attention over the past few years. A very special thanks to the Treat/Bulmer and Peers/Helenius clans for their on-going love and support.
Helen’s was a long life, well lived.