Ellen M. "Helen" (nee Parsley) O'Leary

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Helen O’Leary announce her sudden but peaceful passing at the Health Sciences Centre on November 22, 2023 at the age of 78. Helen was born, raised and lived her entire life in Avondale and the Mill Road has lost one of its own as she is now reunited with the love of her life, John O’Leary, Sr. (Jackie) who passed away in April 2019. She was predeceased by her parents; John & Bride Parsley, brother John, and sisters; Mary and Theresa. Left with a lifetime of treasured memories are her boys: Shawn, John Jr. (Kym), Dwayne (Debbie), Clyde (Brenda) and Dale (Pauline), special nephew “6th son” Jim and daughter-in-law Rhonda. Her grandchildren: Shaunna (Murray), Hannah (Riley), Samantha (Steve), Kathryn, Liam, Courtney, Aaron, Tanya, Keith and Erin, great-grandchildren: Kaylee, Kaia, Eli (who were her little munchkins), Jordan & Ryan. They will miss their Nan terribly and Wednesday night bingo will not be the same without her. She is survived by her brother, Kevin Parsley, who faithfully trekked down over the hill every night to check in on “Nell” to share a beverage and a snack and always locking the door behind him on his way out. Helen also leaves behind a large circle of nieces, nephews, family and friends including her brothers-in-law Paddy and Gary and sisters-in-law Joan, Rebecca and Kay. She took great pride in being of service to others whether it was volunteering with the Ladies Auxiliary and Parish or cooking a feed in the kitchen of “her little shack”; her door was always open and her generosity and kindness was infinite.  Resting at Dunphy’s Funeral Home, Holyrood. The family will receive visitors on Friday, November 24th, 2023 from 11:00 am – 9:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Assumption Catholic Church, Avondale on Saturday, November 25th at 11:00 am with cremation to follow. Inurnment will be held at Assumption Cemetery, Avondale on Monday, November 27th at 1:30 pm. Flowers gratefully accepted or donations in Helen’s memory may be made to the Assumption Parish Cemetery Fund.

“Our loss is immeasurable but so is the love she left behind.”