Obituary of Helen Elizabeth Fenlon
Fenlon, Helen
It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Helen Fenlon, in the Palliative Care unit of the Providence Care Hospital on Wednesday May 26, 2021.
She is predeceased by her mother and father Helen and James Sheridan, sisters Patricia, Mary and Alice, brothers Joseph and Thomas.
She is survived by her children Brian (Sherri) and Susan (Craig), grandchildren Sean, Liam and their mother Judith, Adam (Jesse), Taylor and Alexandra (Kyle) and their father Ted and great grandchildren Zoey and Thea.
Helen was born and raised in Brockville, the first of six children in the Sheridan family. Helen had a long nursing career of 44 years, beginning with her graduation from the St. Joseph’s School of Nursing at Hotel Dieu Hospital, Kingston in 1952. Her first post found her in the Operating room at St. Vincent de Paul Hospital in Brockville. She soon found her true place in the Labor and Delivery unit at St. Vincent. After moving to Kingston in 1965, she continued to work in Labor and Delivery unit at the Hotel Dieu Hospital. With changes to services at the Dieu, Helen began work on the Surgical floor (Johnson 6). She worked there until her well earned retirement in 1996. For her, nursing was more than a profession, it was a true calling.
Helen resided at the Shipyard Apartments on Ontario street since 1975. She made many friends there and was involved in the organization of potluck suppers, afternoon wine socials and group dinners at local restaurants. Helen had a lifelong love of reading which she passed onto her children for which we are ever thankful. Her kitchen skills provided her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren with a steady supply of pies throughout the year, pickles in the summer and shortbread cookies at Christmas. She was a prolific knitter providing the younger family members with numerous pairs of mittens, scarves, hats and sweaters. She played in Ladies Bridge clubs both in Brockville and Kingston. She was member of the chorus in several musicals while in Brockville. She also curled for a number of seasons. Travels took her to Europe, the Holy Land in the Middle East as well as points south in South Carolina and Florida and west to Alberta. Books, puzzles and crosswords kept her mind sharp through the years.
Helen’s was certainly a life well lived, intricately entwined with the lives of her entire family. Her presence will be sorely missed but her spirit will always be held close by each one of us. We’re okay Mom, you can rest now.
Due to restrictions, cremation has taken place and a graveside service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be greatly appreciated in Helen’s memory.
