Helen Mae Talbot, nee Allan, passed away peacefully on the morning of November 21st in her room at Lynn Valley Care Centre in North Vancouver. She was predeceased by her husband Jack Talbot and is survived by her sons Tom, David and Andy, and daughter Nancy along with spouses Joanne Talbot, Marcia Tratt, Deb McFarlane and Brenda Fawkes. She loved her grandchildren Tyler, Briana, Alma, Hannah, Nathan and Joel and her great grandchildren Finn, Emerson, Bear and twins Clara and Harrison.
Helen lived a full life to the age of 98 and left a legacy of family priority, fellowship and friendship. She and Jack raised their family in Ingersoll and introduced them to the lifelong wonder of Lake Temagami and the island community of Camp White Bear, her favourite summer residence. There she loved kayaking, music, cards, swimming and watching sunsets with family and friends.
Helen was an Occupational Therapist working at hospitals in Saint Hyacinthe, Ingersoll and Vancouver. She had a strong sense of dedication to the service of others and volunteered at a number of organizations including the Ingersoll Creative Arts Centre, Ingersoll Parks and Recreation, The MS Society and Mount Seymour United Church Thrift Shop. Her favourite pastime was listening to her family play music together, but she also loved to travel, enjoyed opera, the arts and the occasional glass of scotch.
Helen will be interred in Dorchester Union Cemetery, Ontario beside her beloved Jack. A celebration of life service will be held at a date to be determined.
Donations in Helen’s memory can be made to the First Forward Redevelopment Campaign to support people living in Vancouver’s downtown eastside and provide housing for indigenous individuals and families.
Contact https://firstunited.ca/donate-now/donate-to-first-forward
December 4th, 2022
We will remember Helen for her lovely kind spirit. We wish her Bon Voyage on this, her next adventure.
December 3rd, 2022
Almost Haiku
Temagami,
northwest wind,
Helen Talbot,
wooden ladder,
sidestroke,
swim.
December 3rd, 2022
I am grateful to have been brought in to the Talbot orbit through my wife Briana Laba (Rumball). The Talbots are a wonderfully kind, funny, musical and talented family led by an inspiring woman with those traits in abundance. The first time I met Helen was at our place on Brandy Lake in Muskoka. Within minutes she was telling me all about Temagami and we connected over our love of the outdoors, nature and the magic of the lake. She made my wife swear she’d take me to Temagami. Tom, Joanne, Briana and Tyler did take me there and there’s no denying how magical of a place White Bear is (thanks Helen).
This Christmas, when we’re together, we’ll
get outdoors and raise a drink to an inspiring woman and a life very well lived.
Cheers.
December 2nd, 2022
To Dave and family, sincere condolences and lots of love from the Dolin/Greenwood clan. Very lucky to have spent time with your lovely mom at the Talbot compound in Temagami!!
December 2nd, 2022
I feel very blessed to have been a part of Helen's wonderful life. Ardis and I were lucky to know the whole Talbot family. With Jack and Helen as role models, they couldn't have raised a more talented, loving, generous crew. We were fortunate to share a few beverages and laughs with Helen in our home. I raise my glass in a toast to an adventurous person who was way ahead of her time. RIP lovely lady.
December 1st, 2022
I was delighted by Helen the first time I met her at White Bear. She made me feel comfortable and welcomed into the extended White Bear family. As wee Anna and I spent our summers on the Lake, Helen was a regular part of our time there. As a small child, Anna insisted that the fish we caught and cleaned should go to Helen. And so they did, but we always brought back date squares or cookies and, for me, a great book to read in return. This always was after a long visit and conversation, helpful advice given, and a paddle or a swim shared.
Of the women in my life who have strong and positive 'mothers' to me, Helen was one. She was great - and I am grateful that she was a part of my life.
xo
November 30th, 2022
We came to know Helen later in life and enjoyed every minute and every little dram of Scotch. Here's to a long life well lived.
November 30th, 2022
An amazing woman, who lived life to its fullest. Never, ever did she stop her adventurous nature. God Bless, Helen. you had a life well lived.
My heartfelt condolences to the family
November 30th, 2022
Grateful to have known sweet Helen.
Much love to her family.
November 30th, 2022
What a woman!! Loved the calls received in Halifax, “I’m in town seeing the girls, and would love to see you”. She opened doors to people and fostered her relationships.
November 30th, 2022
So much love for Aunt Helen, one favourite memory was her bobbing in the Gulf of St. Lawrence on a beautiful summer day in PEI, she was in the water for hours on end, while everyone else decades younger was too cold or tired and sat on the beach. Amazing woman.
Lots of love to you all.
November 30th, 2022
Sending all our love and hugs to you and your family .
November 30th, 2022
Peter and I appreciated Helen’s forthright conversations on any topic and her humour. We will miss her and remember her with fondness and gratitude for her life.
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