Obituary of Mrs. Helen Spracklin

Helen Park Wales Spracklin (nee Smith), born December 12, 1934 in Rutherglen, Scotland.  One of eight children born to John and Jean Smith (Charles, Archie, Jean, Jack, Robert, Sheila, Anne).  The family immigrated to Canada in waves beginning in 1951, with Helen travelling by herself on the steamship Queen Mary on December 24, 1951 when she was only 17 years old to join her Dad and older sister Jean.  She told the story of being left on the dock with a large unsecured trunk after U.S. customs agents cut the binding for their inspection.  A kind stranger helped her secure it for the train journey to Toronto.  After arriving, she became employed with Ontario Hydro working in the “steno pool” and participating in the bowling league where she met her beloved husband, Ken.  They were married on September 6, 1958 and moved to Agincourt where they lived in the same home until earlier this year.  A family followed, Douglas (Debbie) and Dianne (Paul).  Helen was a loving and supportive mom helping with school activities and field trips, one as far away as Alberta.  She was a member of Knox United Church in Agincourt for many years and served the community through her volunteer work with the Knox United Church Women.  With her children grown, Helen pursued varied activities such as tennis, Scottish country dancing and singing in the Knox choir.  Upon Ken’s retirement, they travelled together, including a trip to her beloved birthplace of Scotland.  Helen enjoyed her family and was especially proud of her grandchildren, Jill and Darren Elliott, and Sarah and Ian Spracklin.  She hosted many large family gatherings both at their home and their cottage.  Nothing gave her greater pleasure than being together with family for holidays and enjoying time together.  She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.