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Peacefully at the Northumberland Hills Hospital in Cobourg on Tuesday, September 27th, 2022, Helen Girardin (nee Fisk) at 83 years of age. Loving wife of 48 years to Richard Girardin. Beloved step-mother of Michelle Abraham. Cherished grandmother of Cole Abraham, Marin Hendry (Ian Finstad), Maya Hendry and great grandmother of Ivy Finstad. Predeceased by her sister Marjorie Dool (Donald). Dear aunt of Ken Dool (Terri), Glenn Dool (Karen), and Nancy Dool-Kontio (Tom). Great aunt of Kacey Dool, Jesse Dool, Jordan Dool, Aaron Kontio, and Riley Kontio. Also missed by her extended family and friends. Helen lived a big, wonderful and charmed life and loved it all. She loved her family dearly; they provided endless joy to her. She loved her friends, many of whom were like family to her and Richard. She loved her dogs….in particular, Stately the chocolate lab. And she loved ‘her’ trees in Snowball. Her infectious laughter was a hallmark and a way of life to her and she laughed hardest at her own mishaps and errors. She was born a mentor. She loved mentoring her husband, friends, employees and staff, her niece, nephews, step-daughter and the grand’s. She even enjoyed mentoring some who didn’t want to be mentored. She loved a party, she was the life of the party, she was the party. She leaves a legacy of love, gratitude and enduring memories. A life well lived. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday November 5th, from 1 - 4pm in the Concert Hall at Victoria Hall, 55 King Street West, Cobourg. Please RSVP to Richard Girardin at girardinra@gmail.com by October 22, 2022. Those wishing may make a memorial donation to the Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Love her. Miss her. A woman of greatness.
Our sincere condolences are offered to Richard and all the Family on the loss of Helen. Our thoughts are with you.
Richard, Our condolences to you and Helen's family. Wishing you comfort in your memories. Sincerely, Cousin, Denis Gamache and Judy Kessler
Our deepest condolences to Helen's family. For a brief time Helen and Richard were our neighbours on Pritchard Place. We instantly thought they were a wonderful couple, Helen's smile was beautiful We have lived 39 years in Helen's childhood home, we wish she could of seen the house now. May memories keep her always in your heart.
Richard our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I remember vividly sitting with Helen in a meeting with Seneca about their Electronic Sign and how out of place it was in beautiful natural King. We miss you guys, Steve and Barbara
Dear Richard, We are so sad to hear the news about Helen. We have very fond memories of the great times and fun we had at our parties when we all moved into The Esplanade. She will be sadly missed by Family and Friends. Sincerely, Margaret & Mike
Tears of sympathy for you Richard. You and Helen were always a team, full of fun, laughter and adventure. It's hard to believe that someone like Helen with such a zest for life, has left us. It leaves our world with one less joy and light. Your sister, Charlotte
Richard it brings me great sadness to hear the news of Helen's passing. I do love the obituary and in the short time that I knew her, I must agree with all it! : ) She was a joy, and always made me feel special, and that is the greatest gift a human being could ever give to someone else. Our thoughts are with you, and Rob and I send you a big hug across the miles.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
My sincere condolences to you and your family. I will always remember Helen's infectious laugh. May she rest in peace.
On behalf of Mies Bervoets and her family I would want to extend our deepest sympathies to Richard and his family and friends. Helen and Richard and their friends Richard and Ann were long time customers of Miestro Restaurant in London. We celebrated a number of New Year’s Eves with wonderful laughter and excitement. Mies passed away in July 2021. I wanted to pass these thoughts on her behalf.
We just learned of Helen's passing and our hearts go out to Richard. We celebrated many holidays with Helen and Richard at Don and Marge Dools home. She was always the life of the party and will be missed all members of 'Helen's close and extended family'.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
I’m shocked and saddened to hear this news. Helen and I were best friends for many years when we were both managers at Canada Trust. Not a day would go by without us speaking on phone or enjoyed each other’s company at one of many regular (long) lunches. The stories we had. Out of the blue just two weeks ago I emailed Helen to reconnect. Sadly I now know why I did not hear back. I will miss her dearly. May she Rest In Peace.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Helen was my AKELA of the 74th Wolf Cub Pack in East London in the 1960's. Akela is a symbol of wisdom, authority, and leadership - words that perfectly describe Helen. In the 1980's, Helen and Carol from Canada Trust were my mentor as I made my only house purchase in East London. Helen and Carol were there every step of the way offering great advice. I feel very blessed to have known Helen in my formative years. My thoughts and prayers to the whole Girardin Family. Rest in Peace AKELA.
Helen amd my mother Roberta Wilson (2002) were both workmates and dear friends for many, many years. Mom and Helen travelled together and my sister Victoria and I loved our visits with Helen when she lived in London and in Peterborough Helen was the life of the party!!! Our condolences to Richard and family. She was a beautiful, wonderful lady who had an everlasting impact on the many people that had the pleasure of knowing her.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Helen's passing is a loss for us all. But we'll always smile when we think of our times together and will hold those memories in our hearts forever. May you take comfort in the love of friends and family during this difficult time, Richard.
Helen was my Broker when I started my career at Canada Trust Real Estate. She was just what I needed to advance my career...there was no slacking off when Helen was around. Still to this day I reflect on the things Helen brought out in me and her words of encouragement. I'm so sorry to hear this sad news. My thoughts and prayers are with Dick and the entire family during this most difficult time. Kevin Schockaert
Although it was only just over a year ago that we met Helen, we will miss her friendship and personality very much. She was definitely the life of the party Richard! We will soon be planting trees in a place she enjoyed in the past few years and will fondly remember Helen each and everyday. ❤️
The words in the obit were perfect. Helen was a great lady and wonderful mentor. She did love life and laughter. She gave me some great advice when we were managers at Canada Trust Realty. Her parties were memorable ( I had my first scotch with her and Dick) and her many kindnesses will never be forgotten. She worked hard and loved it when the office she managed excelled. I often think of her when I drive by her old offices and home in London. I will see you Helen and we will have a drink or two and of course lots of laughs.
Richard and family. This is very sad news. The comments above do say it all. Helen was bigger than life and James enjoyed her advice, her friendship and the occasional rivalry (Helen-I beat you this month LOL). I will always think back to our days in London with fondness and delight. For me they were the most exciting years, made all the better because Helen was part of it! Carol and I send our deepest sympathy.
Dear Richard, We wanted to extend our sincere condolences to you and the family. We often think of Helen and you. So sorry for your loss, Tulin & Peter
Richard - my sincere condolences to you and your family on the passing of Helen. Please take strength knowing that many are praying for her and for your family during this difficult period. Gerry McKenna
So sorry for your loss Richard. thinking of you. Ethan and Victoria Aquilina
My fondest memories of my years with Canada Trust Real Estate are closely aligned to the time spent at our Whiteoaks office with Helen at the helm. The fun we had at our meetings, our open house adventures, and those wonderful parties hosted by Helen and Dick…”in poor taste party”; the “black and white” party and that wacky golf tournament in the condo on Fiddlers Green. Thank you Helen. You are fondly remembered and we all thank you most sincerely. Laugh on!
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Dear Richard ,we are sorry to see that your dear wife, Helen, has passed away. We have such fond memories of your days at Pritchard Place. Good times with Wayne and Marjorie and Eileen. The laughter could be heard up and down the street When you spoke with Helen, you always felt that she was truly interested in you. I know that her family was very important to her. I know that you will all miss her dearly. Your fond memories will keep her close in your hearts. Ronnie (Arnold) & Allan Goodhand
We all will remember her special laugh and that killer smile. Remembering it is true blessing.
Our hearts go out to Dick at this time....we both loved Helen and her laugh and great Humour. I never thought of her as my Boss back in the day. Oh boy !! ..I worked alongside Helen and enjoyed good years together..and will cherish those times.. Our sincere condolences to you Dick. Penny and Graham
Dear Richard, Marc and I were heartbroken when we learned of Helen's passing. She was truly one of a kind. An amazing woman and force of nature. Warm, friendly and oh so funny! I especially have fond memories of living just through the woods, visiting you both. We're sending you our fondest love & light, and we're keeping our special memories of Helen close in our hearts. With sincere condolences, Emily & Marc Sidelsky
So sorry for your loss, Richard.
So sorry for your loss, Richard . Another life, well lived, has now expired.
Richard and family, we’re so sorry for your loss. Helen was a fantastic neighbour and even more wonderful person.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Dear Richard and family, our thoughts are with you. Such a loss. Condolences Linda & Chuck
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Dear Richard and family our condolences on the loss of your beautiful Helen. We will always remember her as a warm loving individual with a great sense of humour . So many memories of sharing moments on our State Farm trips and events. God Bless you all. We will keep you in our prayers during this difficult time.
Richard and family. Our deepest sympathy for the loss of you beloved Helen Praying for in your grief Michelle and Matthew
To Richard and family , you have lost a shining light and our thoughts are with you . The description provided describes Helen to a tee . We can still recall her infectious laugh . She carried herself through life as a leader , alway well informed and ready to impart her wisdom . May you find comfort in the company of family and friends .
Our thoughts & prayers to Richard and the entire family. We treasure all the great memories & fun times that we shared. May she Rest In Peace.
Dear Richard and family, Please accept our most sincere and heartfelt condolences. Aunt Helen was a pillar in the family and a blessing in the lives of all who had the privilege to meet her and to know her. Memory eternal.
We are very saddened to hear of Helen's passing. Although we didn't have the pleasure of knowing Helen for a long time, we always enjoyed our conversations with her. Helen's laugh always made my day. Our sincere condolences to Helen's family and friends.
I am at a loss of words, Richard, at your loss. While we only met a few times during Photo Club socials, it was evident that Helen was a joy to be around - for everyone who met her. Your memories of your life together will forever be fond and lasting. Please remember your friends will be here for you when you need us. - Dan
So sorry for your loss Richard. It is immense. Helen was all those things in the beautiful fitting tribute message and so much more. Albert and I will always hold dear our times spent together as neighbors in Snowball, conversations, laughs, wine, our progressive dinners!! So much fun. The memories are precious! We extend a big hug of condolence to you Richard and your family at this sad time.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Richard, we are so sorry for your loss. Please know that we hold you and your family in our thoughts. Marina and Paul
My introduction to Helen & Richard was in the mid 80's when I accepted my first "real" job at the Ford Motor Company (St. Thomas Assembly Plant). Helen & Richard lived in a beautiful home on Dufferin Ave. in London, Ontario and I wanted to rent the wonderful loft apartment at the rear of their home. Of course, they needed to interview me and and my Chihuahua Tara before the deal was sealed. Thankfully, I passed the test! This was the beginning of a cherished 35+ year friendship. Over the years, we have enjoyed our dogs, our various homes, lots of wine, great food, many laughs, and just the ups and downs of life. Helen was all that and more, as described in the tribute to her life. A highly intelligent, articulate, candid, interesting, vibrant, caring, thoughtful and amazing person. Ron and I were privileged to be among Helen and Richard's friends. We will miss her terribly ... in our hearts forever. Helen, may you rest in grace and in peace. All our love to Richard. May the memories of the 48 years together bring you some comfort.