MacKENZIE, HELEN I. - 1928-2011 - Miramichi - Helen Isabel MacKenzie, cherished wife of James MacKenzie, of the North Napan Road, Napan, passed away at the Miramichi Regional Hospital, on Tuesday, June 28, 2011, at the age of 83. Born in Pictou, N.S., on March 6, 1928, she was the daughter of the late G. Roy and Annie (MacKnight) Atkinson. She was a homemaker and a teacher by profession; a dedicated member of Carmel United Church, Napan; a lifetime member of the U.C.W.; member of the church choir; former Sunday School teacher; member of the Miramichi Association for Community Living; a volunteer with Meals on Wheels; as well as an active canvasser for a multitude of good and worthy causes. Helen was a good and kindhearted soul, with a sympathetic ear for everyone. She and her life-partner and husband, Jimmy, were always a large part of the community of Napan, which they loved. She never turned away the hungry and was always the first to offer a helping hand to those in need. She loved to always put family first, whether it was by knitting mittens for everyone or by baking a cake for every single birthday. She is survived by her husband, James; six daughters, Dianne MacKenzie, of Miramichi, Donna MacKenzie, of Napan, Sandra Gilliss, of Miramichi, Elizabeth (Beth) MacKenzie, of Napan, Patti (Stacy MacPherson) MacKenzie, of Black River Bridge, Christine MacKenzie, of Napan; one sister, Elizabeth Grasman (Pete), of Fredericton; one sister in law, Mary Atkinson, of Miramichi; five grandchildren, Brad, Dean (Jennie), Shannon Charmayne, Will and grand daughter, RuthAnn Gilliss; two great grandchildren, Ryan and Tristan; as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by one daughter, Susan Jean; one grandson, Aaron Gilliss; three sisters, Jean Atkinson, Margaret Campbell, Shirley Kerr; one brother, Archie Atkinson.
Visitation will be at Adams Funeral Home Ltd., 140 King St., Miramichi, on Thursday, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm. Funeral service will be held from Carmel United Church, Napan, on Saturday, July 2, 2011, at 2 pm, conducted by Penny Postlethwaite. Interment will be in the Black River Community Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Carmel United Church, or any charity of the donors' choice, would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Adams Funeral Home Ltd., 140 King St., Miramichi, telephone 773-3492, or messages of condolence may be sent online to www.adamsfh.ca