On Thursday February 20, 2025, at 2:20 a.m., Helen died peacefully holding the hand of her husband, friend and love of her life Roy. Daughters Joanne and Christy were by her side, and all were wrapped in Jesus' embrace. Roy and Helen shared together a bond so strong through all life's ups and downs. Helen was lovingly referred to by Roy as “My Little Girl” from the beginning and up to the very end.
Helen was born on Friday October 11, 1940, to parents Jack and Lucie (nee Bourgois) Chadwick in Sault Ste Marie. The family moved to MacTier when Helen was a young child, following Jack’s work with CP Rail. Helen was the oldest child, followed by two sisters and then welcoming a little brother when she was 14 years old. Helen loved her sisters, brother and extended family fiercely and is described by her siblings as being their protector, mediator, co-parent and friend. Helen had a great love for all God’s creatures, especially her childhood dog Spot, many cats through the years and her beloved dogs Amy, then Zack later in life.
Helen left MacTier after graduating from high school and attended Nursing College at St. Mike’s in Toronto. It was here that Helen came to find nursing as a true calling and was often praised as being one of the most wonderful nurses people have ever known.
Helen met Roy at a dance in MacTier in 1956. Roy knew when their eyes met that this was the love of his life and pursued Helen until she agreed, and it was settled. Helen and Roy married and started their family in Toronto, then Wasaga Beach and finally Collingwood in 1967, where Helen worked as a registered nurse at the Collingwood General & Marine Hospital until retirement.
Helen and Roy raised a family of three girls and one boy. Helen was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend to many. She stayed strong in her Catholic faith through all that life threw at her, including cancer in 1989. Helen battled through life like a soldier, not letting anything get in the way of her faith, her sacrifices for her family and compassion for friends and strangers alike.
Helen had the most beautiful gentle soul and would never back down from helping someone in need, whether it was a gentle touch or a listening ear. She may have also prepared her chicken noodle soup or said a quiet prayer for you. Helen’s smile could light up a room and calm you. Her twinkling eyes and happy, bright disposition never left her. Even while living with dementia, Helen was always kind, soft and cheerful. Helen was a trooper and the strongest person most of us will ever know.
Helen has now reunited with those who have passed and left before her, her mom, dad, sister Marilyn, many beloved extended family members, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Helen has left this world but leaves a legacy behind. Helen has left to mourn, her loving husband Roy Adams of 63 years. Her treasured children, Patricia Sybersma (Stuart), John Adams, Joanne Barrett (Curt) and Christy Hollingshead (Terry). Cherished grandmother of Stacie (Darren), Kellie (Reuben), Candess (Ryan), Ceyara, Tyler, Chantel, Reece (Lexie), Alanna (Christopher), Joseph (Lindsay), Leah (Jonathan), Rachel (Marco) and Thomas (Rebecca). Loved by her great-grandchildren Amanda, Callahan and Lucy. Helen will be missed by her sister Jacquie, brother Phil (Kathyrn), Roy’s extended family that loved and adored Helen as their own, many cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and colleagues. So many wonderful friends especially Raymond and Sharon, Joyce and Warren, co-workers and caregivers. To Donna and the entire team of Bay Haven Care Community, there is no way to tell you how much we appreciate you and many thanks. We know you all loved Helen and may you bring a little piece of her with you wherever you go. To our family, friends and caregivers, we know Helen is looking upon you and is so thankful to you for being part of her journey. She will be greatly missed.
Friends will be received by her family at the Chatterson Funeral Home, 404 Hurontario Street, Collingwood on Tuesday February 25, 2025, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 63 Elgin Street, Collingwood on Wednesday February 26, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., with a reception to follow. Spring Interment at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Alzheimer's Society of Simcoe County would be appreciated by her family. To sign Helen’s Book of Memories, please visit www.chattersonfuneralhome.com.