Helen Gladys (MacDonald) Archibald
1929 - 2019
Helen Gladys (MacDonald) Archibald
Visitation Information
Visitation
Saturday, Mar 23, 2019
Visitation Time
1-2:30 p.m.
Visitation Location
Kirk Memorial United Church, Aspen
Service Information
Service Date
Saturday March 23, 2019
Service Time
3 p.m.
Service Location
Kirk Memorial United Church, Aspen
Burial Information
Burial Date
Saturday, Mar 23, 2019
Burial Time
Following the service
Burial Location
Evergreen Cemetery, Aspen
Requested Charity
Kirk Memorial United Church, St. Mary's Memorial Hospital or Canadian Cancer Society
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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.

Helen Gladys (MacDonald) Archibald