Obituary of Helen Stockford
Helen Patricia (Boone) Stockford April 30, 1934 - May 26, 2020.
It is with great sadness that the family of Helen Stockford announces her passing on May 26, 2020 at home in Rothesay. Born on April 30, 1934 she was the daughter of Weyman A. Boone and Muriel Boone (nee Edwards).
Helen is survived by her daughter Cathy (John) Henderson, grandchildren Erin (Scott) Ramsay, William (Ashley) Henderson and Daniel (Aly) Henderson, as well as four great grandchildren. Sister Bette Anne (Charles) Weaver, brothers Douglas (Ruth) Boone, Donald (Betty) Boone, Larry (Beth) Boone, and nieces and nephews. In addition Helen’s extended family of caregivers, Sylvie Carrol, Jackie Arsenault, Dianne Arseneault, Rose Roy, Melanie Graef and Elsie White mourn her passing.
Helen was truly a kind and gentle soul. She was kind and caring to everyone she met throughout her fulfilling life. Helen was married to the love of her life Lawson Stockford for 62 years. In many respects Helen and Lawson were not individuals but united in every aspect of life. They taught in classrooms side by side for many years at Saint John Vocational School. After retirement they volunteered together with The Kindness Club and the Arthritis Society. Their main passion was the rescue and caring for countless stray pets. They nursed many injured and abandoned pets back to health at their home. Many of these beautiful creatures remained as their pets. They also gave financial and physical help to many people whose pets were in distress.
They enjoyed birdwatching and exploring the back roads of beautiful New Brunswick. Everything was done together. Helen nursed and cared for many relatives. For many years she tirelessly devoted her exemplary caregiving abilities to her husband Lawson. Her devotion and energy to keeping her husband well looked after was endless.
Everything Helen did for everyone was with patience and kindness.
Helen was an active member of The Kindness Club of New Brunswick. She is a life member of the club and was on the board of directors for the Kindness Club Foundation. She helped fundraise for the Arthritis Society for nearly 10 years and was its patient-services chairperson. She also worked as a facilitator for the Arthritis Society’s medication review clinic. In addition she volunteered at a Hampton senior facility, canvassed for the Canadian Cancer Society, and was a zone leader for the Salvation Army.
For many years Helen was a dedicated member of “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints”. With joy, she played the piano for many church occasions. She also volunteered in the “Materials Center” in the church. She loved and was loved by her church family.
In 1999 Helen received “The Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award”, in recognition of outstanding and selfless contribution to her community and to Canada.
Whether it was teaching, caring for elderly relatives, nursing and nurturing pets, volunteering for her community, or looking after her family, Helen always put her very best efforts forward. Whatever Helen did was done with care, empathy and love. She lived a life of humility and service.
“There are no words to describe the elegance of her soul”.
In memory of Helen donations could be made to your local SPCA.
Due to the current Covid-19 situation a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date under the direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home. Online Condolences may be placed at www.brenansfh.com
