Helena Beatrice Osmond

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.