With heavy hearts we share the news of the sudden passing of Helena Beatrice Osmond (nee Ball) on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at the age of eighty-one. Helena was the beloved wife of Douglas (Doug) for over 60 years, cherished mother to Wendy and Carla, and loving grandmother to Sarah.
Helena will be dearly missed by her surviving siblings, brother Kevin (wife Audrey) and her sisters Maisie and Cora. She will also be greatly missed by her many friends especially her Bass Lake Buddies.
Helena’s many jobs over the years started with teaching in a one room classroom in Newfoundland and ended with over 25 years’ experience with Sears Canada. At Sears Canada, she worked in various positions including Customer Service, Gift Wrapping and Clerical. She also volunteered at Portland County Roads Community Health Centre. She volunteered as a leader Brownies.
Helena was best known for her hobbies including travelling, cooking for family and friends, shopping, gardening, and decorating.
Travelling the world with her husband Doug, family and friends were definitely highlights. There were so many trips!! From living in Germany to travelling with friends to Italy and France. The river cruising with family and the Rocky Mountaineer. The month-long trip to China with the stop in Tibet! Helena had high expectations of Tibet and it did not let her down. Spending some of the colder months in Myrtle beach with friends too. She loved to walk on the beach and collect seashells while Doug was golfing.
Helena loved trying new recipes with family and friends being the fortunate guinea pigs. She was an amazing cook and baker and enjoyed her time in the kitchen. Carla fondly remembers the piano cake with kit-katt as the keys. She never forgot to make her famous pumpkin pie for her Sarah for her birthday.
Helena was well known for her love of shopping for just about anything! If it had been an Olympic sport, she definitely would have won gold. From clothes to shoes, gifts for friends and family, decorating items and all her lovely flowers for her extensive garden! If you wanted to shop - Helena was there!
Helena loved her gardens and would spend many hours planting. She would plant then relocate to make her gardens even better. The only thing she did not appreciate was the fallen leaves making a mess of her garden! Many hours were spent raking those leaves out of there!
Helena’s love and ability for decorating could have been a career but she decided to use it on her many homes and cottages. Decorating and adding special unique touches that she made herself were always evident throughout the home. Decorating for special occasions, especially Christmas was one of her favorites.
In retirement Helena and Doug bought land that reminded them of their humble beginnings in Newfoundland. They built their dream home and lived there for many very happy years.
Thank you to the staff at Bridlewood Trails Retirement for your dedication to our family and all the families you touch with your kindness and expertise.
Donations can be made to the Dementia Society of Ottawa or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Digital Guestbook
Melanie manion
Patricia Hayes
I remember spending time at the lake house and feeling completely welcome. Helena was a very lovely and caring woman. You will be missed.
Judy and Ted
So sorry for your loss Carla and your family. Warm hugs to you, take care
Mike & Darlene Meehan
Helena & Doug lived on Bass Lake, they were our friends for many years, we enjoyed the lake & many house dinners & parties, Helena & I took Tai-Chi for a year together, it was great fun, Helena & Doug & our son-in-law Perry, -Daughter Leah had a lot in common for Perry is from Newfoundland also, great memories , Helena was a true person, lots of fun, Helena will be sadly missed by all, God Bless, dear friend, we will meet again. & thanks for the fun times.
sincerely, Mike & Darlene, Leah & Perry, ox.
Tiziana Wright
My heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to you Carla and your family during this difficult time .
Brenda Desjardins
My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Sending my love and deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Evelyn, Carolyn, Neil and Gail Ball
We were so very sad to hear of Aunt Helena's passing and send our love and condolences to Uncle Doug, Wendy, Carla and family. Aunt Helena was a dearly loved sister and confidante to our parents, David and Pearl. They truly thought highly of her and loved her very much. Our memories of each time we all had with her when she visited Newfoundland make us smile with appreciation for such a wonderful woman, our Aunt Helena. We will treasure those memories. She will be greatly missed.
Krista Smith
To Carla and Sarah, my deepest sympathies of the passing of your mother/grandmother. I loved to hear all of your wonderful and funny stories of Helena! ? with love from DR, Krista ??
Jim and Bonnie Skiba
Our deepest condolences go out to my brother Doug, Carla and Wendy of the passing of a wonderful wife, Mother and Grandmother. My brother could not have married a sweeter woman than Helena. Over the years we wish we could have spent more time together. We certainly are grateful for the times we did have together with the family. Helena will truly be missed. We love you and are so sorry for your loss. Brother Jim, Bonnie and Family.
Wally & Nancy Skiba
Our hearts are broken! The loss of our sweet, kind, fun loving sister-in-law leaves us emotionally empty at this moment. Helena was the consummate hostess that always made you feel welcome in her beautiful home. The table was set perfectly and the meal served was indescribably delicious. The fun and laughter were always part of her gracious hospitality. And of course there was always some wine to be shared! When we decided traveling together would be a good idea, we embarked on some Viking River cruises and a very special Rocky Mountaineer adventure. There was also several weeks spent together in our place in Panama City Beach. These trips saw our "fun times" reach a new level. Every trip together was 'special' with memories and laughter we will cherish for years to come. We love you, Doug, Wendy, Carla, and Sarah. The beautiful memories we shared together over the years will eventually replace the current heartache and fill our hearts with joy and love that will sustain us until we see each other again. May God comfort your family and friends in the coming days, as only He can. Much love!!
My heart goes to the family and friends who loved her. She was a loving mother and grandmother also a loving wife we are going to miss her so much.