Obituary of Helen McKelvie Cook

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Helen McKelvie (Gibson) Cook which occurred on Wednesday, October 23, 2019 at Ridgewood Veterans Wing.  Born on June 20, 1922 in Dundee, Scotland, she was the daughter of the late Harry and Janet (Thompson) Gibson.

Helen always took great comfort in her faith and became a Sunday school teacher at the early age of 15. She also became an assistant cub leader at the age of 16.  Helen enjoyed her school years and never missed a single day from start to finish.  She enlisted in the Royal Air Force in July of 1942 and came to Canada in 1944 as a war bride.  Helen was a member of Clan MacKenzie and the Old Country Club.  She was also a member of the Royal Canadian Legion for over 60 years, receiving the Meritorious Service Medal and Palm Leaf.  Helen was named an honourary petty officer with the Rodney Sea Cadets and was always proud of being the first and current president of the War Brides Association.  She was the founder of Crescent Valley Cub Pack which met at Portland United Church. The past president of Branch 68 and past district commander of the Saint John District.  Helen enjoyed curling and was a member of Thistle-St. Andrew’s and had represented New Brunswick twice at the curling nationals.  Helen also enjoyed skating and dancing. 

Helen is survived by her sons, Gary and David (Willow); grandchildren, Heather (Peter Spragg) and Jon; daughter-in-law, Carol; sister-in-law, Allison; many nieces and nephews, as well as her best friend of 72 years, Winnie Rice.  In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Ronald; brother, Harry Gibson and sister, Jenny McCulloch.

The family would like to thank the staff at Ridgewood Veterans Wing for the exceptional care, support and friendship that was always provided to her.

Resting at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424) with visiting on Friday, October 25, 2019 from 2:00 - 8:00 PM with a Legion Tribute starting at 7:00 PM.  The funeral service will be held from Brenan’s Chapel on Saturday, October 26, 2019 at 12:00 PM.  Interment will take place in Cedar Hill Extension Cemetery in the Field of Honour on Monday, October 28, 2019 at 10:00 AM.

For those who wish, remembrances may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #69.  www.BrenansFH.com