Archibald, (MacDonald) Helen Gladys
It is with sadness that we share the passing of our
mother and grandmother, Helen, of Glenelg, Guysborough County on
Sunday, March 17, 2019 in St. Mary’s Memorial Hospital
Sherbrooke. She was married to Bruce Archibald, her devoted husband of
41 years until his death in January of 1995.
Born in Goldenville, Guysborough County on October 17, 1929
she was the eldest daughter of the late Wallace and Alice (Mitchell)
MacDonald. Helen had a special place in her heart for Goldenville and
was a founding Director of the Heritage Goldenville
Society.
She had a kind and gentle nature and loved nothing more than
spending time with her family, friends and being Nanny to her
grandchildren. Helen was a talented cook well known for her bread,
baked goods and preserves. She created beautiful handwork from baby
sets and blankets to woven runners, most recently an avid knitter
making beautiful socks for her family.
She was a teacher, operated H&G MacDonald, a small
grocery store in Glenelg in the late 1940s, worked for DND in the
1950s, spent many years as a Sherbrooke Village Guide, was recognized
for her volunteer services, and was a member of Melrose Olsters
Club. She solved the cryptoquote daily and loved to play
scrabble until just a month before her passing, usually winning no
matter her opponent.
Helen was a devout member of Kirk Memorial United Church
where she enjoyed being a member of the choir and the United Church
Women’s Group of which she was recognized as a Charter
Member and honoured for 55 years continuous membership in
2018.
Helen is survived by her children, Steven (Debbie), Eight
Island Lake; Mary, Halifax; Peter, Glenelg; her wonderful
grandchildren, Colin (Alice), Kari, Eryn, Kelsie (Suhail); great
grandson, Mikhail; brothers, Grant, Earle (Sharron), Ralph,
brother-in-law, Alex Sutherland as well as countless cousins, nieces,
nephews and their families. Helen was predeceased by her
husband, Bruce; her parents; grandson, Peter, siblings, Colonel Bill
(Yvonne) MacDonald, Betty (Alex) MacKenzie, Joan Sutherland and
sister-in-law, Audrey MacDonald.
Family flowers only please. For those who wish to make a
donation in Helen’s memory, please consider Kirk Memorial
United Church, St. Mary’s Memorial Hospital or the Canadian
Cancer Society.
Visitation will be held Saturday, March
23rd in Kirk Memorial United Church, Aspen,
from 1-2:30 pm with funeral service to follow at 3 pm with Rev. Wayne
Murphy officiating. All are welcome to join the family for a
reception following the service in the church. Interment in Evergreen
Cemetery, Aspen. Funeral arrangements are under the dignified and
compassionate care of the G.W. Giffin Funeral Home Ltd., Country
Harbour. On-line condolences may be made at
www.gwgiffin.com.