Obituary for Helen Gertrude Blake (Parslow)
At her home, the St Lawrence Lodge, with family at her side, Helen passed away in the afternoon of February 14, 2020 in her 97th year. Born on March 3, 1923 to Mabel and Horton Parslow, Helen was the second of five children growing up on the family farm on the Parslow Road near Lyn. She married her beloved soldier husband Edward Blake of Jellyby, who predeceased her in 2017, and began a nomadic military family life, eventually returning home to Brockville in their retirement.
Helen will be deeply missed by her children, Donna (Ian), Bob (Gail), her grandson Mark (Mary) and her one surviving sister, Mildred Clow. She also leaves her brother in law, Allan Blake. Aunt Helen is fondly remembered by her many Blake and Parslow nieces and nephews. Her cherished grandson Timothy Edward Winter predeceased Helen in 2013.
A consummate homemaker, skilled seamstress, maker of quilts, knitter, baker of cinnamon buns and pies, indispensable school secretary, unflappable organizer, lover of red flower gardens, Mom was an energetic woman with a strong work ethic who managed the challenges and the joys of living on the move as an army family. In her retirement years when our parents returned to the Brockville area, she especially enjoyed spending time with her siblings and their families.
Mom’s later years were difficult as her health and ability to get around diminished. Her pleasures were few but her spirit to keep going was strong. We will miss her.
Helen’s family is grateful to the staff of the St Lawrence Lodge for their care and compassion over the last few years.
A brief visitation followed by the funeral service will occur at 11am on Saturday, February 22 at Irvine Funeral Home, 4 James St., Brockville. Interment at Oakland Cemetery will follow. There will be a reception at The Brockville Golf and Country Club, 1548 King St W immediately after the service.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made, with appreciation, to St Paul’s Anglican Church, Brockville, St Lawrence Lodge or a charity of your choice.
Helen will be deeply missed by her children, Donna (Ian), Bob (Gail), her grandson Mark (Mary) and her one surviving sister, Mildred Clow. She also leaves her brother in law, Allan Blake. Aunt Helen is fondly remembered by her many Blake and Parslow nieces and nephews. Her cherished grandson Timothy Edward Winter predeceased Helen in 2013.
A consummate homemaker, skilled seamstress, maker of quilts, knitter, baker of cinnamon buns and pies, indispensable school secretary, unflappable organizer, lover of red flower gardens, Mom was an energetic woman with a strong work ethic who managed the challenges and the joys of living on the move as an army family. In her retirement years when our parents returned to the Brockville area, she especially enjoyed spending time with her siblings and their families.
Mom’s later years were difficult as her health and ability to get around diminished. Her pleasures were few but her spirit to keep going was strong. We will miss her.
Helen’s family is grateful to the staff of the St Lawrence Lodge for their care and compassion over the last few years.
A brief visitation followed by the funeral service will occur at 11am on Saturday, February 22 at Irvine Funeral Home, 4 James St., Brockville. Interment at Oakland Cemetery will follow. There will be a reception at The Brockville Golf and Country Club, 1548 King St W immediately after the service.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made, with appreciation, to St Paul’s Anglican Church, Brockville, St Lawrence Lodge or a charity of your choice.