It is with deep sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Helen Beryl McAloney, age 90, of River Hebert, NS. Helen passed away at Gables Lodge, Amherst, on Wednesday, June 3, 2020. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
Born at the Springhill Hospital on June 6, 1929, she was a daughter of the late Clarence and Sarah (Lavers) Landells.
Helen grew up in a large farmhouse in Lwr. Maccan where she also attended school. After marrying Howard in 1947, they lived in River Hebert where they raised their family. Helen's career began when she was offered a position at River Hebert East School teaching grades P-4 upon completion of grade 11. She took a break from teaching while she and Howe had their 3 children but Helen began taking night courses and then attended summer school in Halifax, Truro, Scotland and England over the course of 15 summers. Helen was an elementary school teacher in the local communities for 30 years.
She was a member of Trinity United Church, River Hebert and secretary for the Lower River Hebert Cemetery for many years. Helen enjoyed a variety of hand crafts, curling, playing cards, the great outdoors, traveling, and especially cherished her time with family and friends. She was a strong and gracious lady with a great sense of humour who touched the lives and hearts of many.
She is survived by her son, Tom (Brenda), Dartmouth, NS; Daughter-in-law, Sandy, Amherst; 6 grandchildren: Andrea, Kaite, Sonia, Kelly, Jan, and Greg; 9 great grandchildren: Brendan, Jordan, Ava, Declan, Jillian, Zach, Ben, Olivia, and Eric; several nieces and nephews and special cousins Nell and Paul Richard, Dieppe, NB.
She was predeceased by her husband Howard (1974); daughter Lynn McAloney (2014); son Keith (2016); half brothers Howard Landells, Frank Landells and half sister Lauris McKinnon.
The family would like to express many thanks to the wonderful staff at the Centennial Villa and Gables Lodge. We are so grateful for the above and beyond care and support they provided for Helen.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Jones Family Funeral Centre, 70 Church St, Amherst, NS (902-667-8777). Her Afternoon of Remembrance will be held at the Jones Family Funeral Centre on Sunday, July 12, 2020 from 1 to 3 pm. Please respect the family and other attendees by wearing a mask. Social Distancing will be honored throughout the Afternoon of Remembrance, but is open to all as this is a flow through/visit event.
Those wishing to make a donation in Helen's memory may do so to the Lower River Hebert Cemetery or the Cumberland County VON, or the charity of your choice.
Sharing of memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting Helen's online memorial at www.jonesfamilyfuneralcentre.ca or through the Jones Family Funeral Centre Facebook Page.