Obituary of Mrs. Helen Holmes

Holmes, Helen June (nee McAlister)

Helen entered into the presence of her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, suddenly and peacefully, on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at her home in Toronto. Born March 20, 1932, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, to Reverend Hugh McAlister and Luella Jean McAlister (nee Campbell), Helen had just celebrated her 91st birthday. Predeceased by loving husband of 62 years, Hedley (Ted) Holmes; and brothers, James and Hugh. Helen is survived by her brother Charles (Charlie) McAlister. Dearly loved and will be sadly missed by her 5 sons and their families: Tim (Wendy nee Klassen, Hillary and Marcel Straub, Jessy and Taylor Danyluk); Peter (Dalyse, Jayme); Greg (Cris nee Ng, Samantha, Nicholas, Connor, Taylor, Kaylee); Jeff (Lisa nee Kelly, Sarah, Amber, Sydney) Mark (Marina nee Miranda, Nixon, Noah). Loved as Paca, Bema, Grama and GG by 14 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren (Ayva, Kaitlin, Ryder, Alexander and newborn Baby Lucy). Mom’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted wife and savvy business helper to Hedley in Touchdex International and Kingsway Agencies; always a gracious hostess to family and friends; and her beauty shone to all who knew her. Helen taught her family to walk daily in the presence of God, to pray continually with courage in all circumstances, and her sweet spirit throughout years of pain and illness was testament of her strength in Christ. Helen was a gifted pianist and vocalist, she loved to explore the world with Hedley, she loved cottage life on Beaver Lake with all the family and friends around and was an avid student of family history. As long as mom was able, there was fabulous family dinner ready topped off by brownie pie, angel food cake, and other treats from mom’s kitchen. Helen’s two true loves were her Saviour and her family. She taught us to cherish time spent together and to see each relationship as a special gift from God. “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12) Family will receive guests on Thursday, March 30 and Friday,March 31 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Ogden Funeral Home, 4164 Sheppard Ave. E., Toronto, ON. A celebration of Helen’s life will take place on Saturday, April 1 at the Ogden Funeral Chapel at 1:00 p.m. The family appreciates donations to the Canadian Cancer Society in lieu of flowers.