Avis de décès de Helen Smith - Nécrologie - MesAieux.com

SMITH -Helen Lillian (Barry) Smith b. August 11, 1917 died October 11, 2005. It is with grieving hearts that many will mourn the passing of Helen Lillian (Barry) Smith early Tuesday morning on October 11, 2005. Helen was born at Renown, SK on August 11, 1917. Helen's arrival was the third child born to her parents, Matthew George Barry (b.April 19, 1876 d. May 26, 1952) and Emma Mae Marie Louise Gagon (b. April 7, 1894 d. Oct. 16, 1976). Helen received her elementary and secondary education in various Saskatchewan schools where her father was a principal helping to create the Saskatchewan's school system for over 43 years. Helen's father was not only a school principal, but the first teacher in the Watrous area before there was a town of Watrous. He helped organize and became the first teacher of several schools in that area including Hawkshaw, Orangeview, Highwood and others. In addition, Helen's father was a prize winning poet of distinction with his poems published with Haven Press, New York. Helen's father body of writing included five volumes of poetry and one volume of short stories. Helen's father was a member of the United Church and a lifetime member of the Masonic Order. Helen's chosen career of Education reflected her father's valuable influence on her life. In 1938-39, Helen attended the Saskatoon Teacher's College with her sister Gwendolyn. Helen taught the Junior Room at Carlea, SK, in the beautiful Carrot River country in 1939-40. From 1940 until 1978, a total of 38 years, Helen was a teacher with Saskatoon Public Schools and a member of the Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation. During Helen's tenure as a Saskatoon Public School teacher, she taught all grades from 1 to 8 as well as gifted and special needs students. On August 14, 1945, Helen married Harold Morton Smith (b. May 11, 1916 at Chesterville, ON d. May 11, 1998 at Saskatoon, SK) son of Harold Morton Smith and Ethel Fernie. Helen's husband Harold received his Public schooling at Antelope, SK, Cromer, MB and Alsask, SK. Harold attended Saskatoon normal School from 1934-35 and received his B.A. in 1942, B.Ed. in 1947 Cum Laude and his A.F.A. Certificate from the University of Saskatchewan. Harold was a Principal with the Saskatoon School Board as well as prior teaching in Prince Albert, SK for over 47 years. Helen's husband, Harold, was awarded the Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal and was a dedicated member of the Masonic and Shrine Lodges, Past Grand Worthy Patron of the Province of Saskatchewan, a 33rd Degree Mason and a member of the Scottish Rite. Concurrently with her husband, Helen was also a dedicated Eastern Star member, Past Worthy Matron of Regal #132 in Saskatoon, and a member of the Daughters of the Nile. Helen's humility, empathy, perseverance, loyalty, dedication, honesty, kindness, generosity, beauty and appreciation for the diversity of humanity reflected a quality of higher standards that few individuals are able to obtain. Helen's love of culture music, art, and drama were often reflected in the outstanding artistic work that Helen created for and with her students by producing exceptional set designs, paintings and backdrops for school productions, plays, and musical. Helen's dedication to providing her students with an enriched educational program, whether the student was gifted or challenged, was demonstrated by the long hours she spent tutoring students in her home helping these students to achieve their learning desires as well as her yearly entering her classes in the Saskatchewan Music Festivals. Helen's students include successful doctor's lawyers, judges, and others who first met their teacher in their Grade 4 class at Haultain School, in Saskatoon. Helen's charitable works were often witnessed by her own family, helping to support and pay for the education of her siblings and close relatives, but also by families in the Saskatoon community who were in desparate need of help. Helen often quietly provided for these families. Helen's high academic standards and perseverance are reflected in her children, Heather Gayle (Smith) Aitken,(b. Sept. 23, 1957) B.Mus-Mus. Ed., B. Ed, B.F. A, of St. Albert, AB, Music Educator and Music Specialist/ Director for Choral and Orchestra programs, with majors in Music, Mathematics, French, and English, 18 years of teaching experience, including 15 years with the Edmonton Public School Board. Gayle is an active member of the Alberta Teachers' Association and past Music Adjudicator with the Saskatchewan Music Festivals; Dr. Harold Morton Barry Smith, B.Sc., M.D., F.R.C.F.C. (b. Aug. 15, 1956), 10 years as opthamologist/ surgeon of Saskatoon, SK; and Sherry Lynn Smith (b. May 31, 1948), Saskatoon, SK, retired, past employee of the Saskatoon Public Library and companion to her mother. Helen was a loving mother to her children, loving and dedicated wife to her husband Harold of 53 years, a compassionate sister to her siblings, and a perseverant servant to her peers. Helen Lillian (Barry) Smith was a phenomenal woman whose own personal standard of success was an outstanding role model for those people who were touched by her life to follow. Helen's desire to live, to help others around her, her gracious presence, her tenacious perseverance in acting in a decent tolerant way during challenging times, mentored others to also take the higher road. The world has lost one of its most valuable treasures, but heaven has gained an angel. Predeceased by: Matthew George Barry, Emma Mae Louise (Gagan) Barry, George Barry, Baby Gwendolyn Ruby Barry, Sister, Iris Florence (Barry) Yake, Sister, Laura Mrytle (Barry) Duvall. Survived by: Dr. Macdonald Lloyd George Barry, Penticton, BC, Harry Charles Douglas Barry, Hamilton, ON, Miss Sherry Lynn Smith, Saskatoon, SK, Dr. Harold Morton Barry Smith, Saskatoon, SK, Ms. Heather Gayle (Smith) Aitken; Grandchildren, Kristine Ann Smith, Andrea Lynn Smith, Matthew James Smith; Extended Family Members: Pamela Ann Yake-Christenson, Niece, Edmonton, AB, Allan Kirk Yake, Nephew, Edmonton, AB, Gordon Gerrard Yake, Nephew, Edmonton, AB, Warren James Yake, Nephew, Edmonton, AB, Susan Gail Yake, Niece, Edmonton, AB, Barry Charles Arthur Duvall, Nephew, Vancouver, BC. Helen Lillian Smith's funeral service will be held on Saturday, at 2:00 p.m. in Knox United Church, 858 Spadina Cr., Saskatoon, SK. A reception will be held immediately following the memorial service. Burial will then follow at Woodlawn Cemetary, Saskatoon, SK. Flowers will be graciously accepted by the family. Charitable donations can be addressed to the Helen Lillian (Barry) Smith Memorial Fund