Peacefully, in her 91st year, with her family by her side, a guitar playing softly, Helen took her last breath at 2:30pm on June 27th. Helen was born in Copper Cliff, Ontario to Finnish parents. She grew up in several remote mining communities in Northern Ontario and Manitoba. In 1951, she earned the distinction of being crowned Fur Queen of the North at the Manitoba Trapper's Festival in the Pas. Shortly after she enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force and served her country in St. Hubert Québec, North Bay, Ontario, and the 1st Canadian Air Division in Metz, France. In France she met the love of her life, Gaston Dubé, originally from Lévis, Québec. They married in Metz on April 24th, 1954, returned to Canada and remained a devoted couple for over 68 years. Together they raised a family, travelled the world, and shared a full life. Helen was a cherished and devoted mother to Wayne, Colleen (Ben) and Allan (Nada). She was a loving grandmother to Daniel and Simon, Danielle, Christopher (Krystle), and Sarah. She is the much-loved sister of Colleen (Gary). She also leaves behind cousins in Finland. She is pre-deceased by her loving and feisty mother Hymmi and father Toivo Lundy. Helen was noted for her infectious laugh, her beautiful blue eyes, and her ability to sew or knit anything. Many family members have her beautiful, knitted sweaters. She and Gaston hosted many memorable family gatherings. A special thank you to the compassionate staff in the Emergency Department of the Ottawa General and on 5 northwest. Also, to those at Alta Vista Revera who enriched Helen's life in her last months. A Celebration of Helen's life will be held at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa on Monday, July 11, 2022 from 12 to 3PM. Interment to follow in the National Military Cemetery.
Digital Guestbook
Garry Dowd
Judy and Ray Kanerva and family
Sending our deepest condolences to you Gaston ,your family and Colleen. You are in our thoughts at this difficult time.
Gisele cote et Conrad roberge
Sincères condoléances à oncle Gaston et tous les enfants de ta nièce Gisele fille de Pascaline Dubé
Morris and Kumyuen Saldov
Dear Colleen. Though we didn’t know your sister we deeply value your friendship. Please know that we feel with you your loss, and an overwhelming appreciation for her life. Love as always. Morris and Kumyuen
Olli Vuorikivi and the family and Anna-Maija Kukka
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to Helen's family and Colleen's family. We were fortunate to have Helen here in Helsinki with us several times. We will always cherish the memories of that time.
Kimberly Costello
Colleen & Family,
Even though I only met your sister a few times, I felt as though I knew her through you and Hymmi and all the wonderful things you both told me about her. I hope your beautiful memories of her help you through this difficult time.
Love your Cape Breton family. Xo
Lyse Bedard
My deepest condolences sent to you Wayne and family hold on to her love she will always be with you. ??❤️
Emily Farrell and Family
Very sorry to hear about your lose. I never met her, but Danial told me many stories about her and she sounded like a really wonderful lady. Sending deepest condolences and prayers to your family. ❤️??
elaine mc dougall
so sorry to hear of helen's passing Our deepest condences to her family, Prayers and hugs to all
Isabelle Clermont
Mes sincères condoléances. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Allan and family, in your time of grief.
Donna and I are saddened by Helen's passing. We met her and Gaston in AFCENT where Gaston was my boss. Helen always had kind words and was a very caring person. Our Deepest Sympathy to Gaston and the family. God Bless