Peacefully, at home and surrounded by loving family, on Friday, November 8, 2024 at the age of 97.

Helen was born on September 7th, 1927, the middle of five children. Sister to Lila (the late Bud Fowler), the late Bernadette Pryor, George (Theresa), and the late Joan Ste. Marie Miller. She grew up in the west end of Toronto, living on St. Clarens Avenue and attending St. Cecilia Catholic School. Family and faith were the cornerstones of her life from an early age, she built on that solid foundation with a magnetic personality and a keen love of a good time. She loved to dance with her sisters at the Palais Royale and, we’re sure, she sparkled everywhere she went with her infectious laugh and expressive eyebrows.

Helen’s lifelong partner, the late Michael Francis Donnelly Burns, was a smart man who knew a gem when he saw one. They married on September 16th, 1950, in Toronto. Helen was a great woman behind a great man, supporting Michael from the earliest days of his photography business, often setting up his darkroom in many a strange spot – from venue closets to hotel bathrooms. They worked hard together to build a beautiful life for themselves, and they enjoyed the fruits of their efforts with gusto, traveling the world for business and for pleasure, often with family and their many friends.

Devoted mother to Mary-Ellen (Jonathan Gee), Patricia, and Michael Jr. (Joni Thompson), Helen loved her children fiercely, instilling confidence and security by showing up for them in all the ways that mattered. She created a home where sleep didn’t get in the way of a kitchen table party when Michael got home from a photography job late at night, and where crowds of friends were always welcome. Helen was affectionate and maternal, always a mom first but growing into a best friend as her children became adults.

Loving Nana and kindred spirit to her granddaughters Katherine and Alexandra (Alexander Vdooukhine) Gee, Helen was front row center for every swim and track meet, every play and recital, playing an integral role in their lives. She was the kind of Nana who always really listened, and she dispensed her wide breadth of wisdom gently or directly – always knowing the right thing to say, and how to say it.

In the final years of her life, Helen was tickled to welcome her great grandchildren, Daniel and Georgia Gee, both of whom gave her much joy and happiness.

Helen dearly loved and remained close to her brother and three sisters; the Ste. Marie sisters laughing together was a fixture of every family event. Helen was a loving and favourite aunt and great aunt to many and was always delighted to celebrate her niece’s and nephew’s life events and to share in a lively debate.

A woman of steadfast faith, Helen, alongside her late husband Michael, was a founding member of St. Clement Catholic parish in Etobicoke. She gave back to her community, volunteering at The Good Shepherd Refuge for many years. Helen was loved by many friends throughout her long life, including her bridge club and prayer group, the Etobicoke Gyrettes, and her neighbourhood friends. She really knew how to throw a party and could have taught a class on how to be a wonderful guest. She only ever set her own house on fire at a party, never anybody else’s.

Helen was big on the traditions that pulled family and friends together: Chinese takeout the night before big trips, Devonshire cream on scones on Christmas morning, her well-honed shortlist of Pompano Beach restaurants. She knew just when to lean over and give you a comforting pat on the arm, and when to tell you, “you can do it!”. To have known her, even for a few minutes, was to have been charmed by her.

She was majestic, she was unique, she was beautiful, and we loved her – “a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck”.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to Helen’s incredible caregivers, Angela and Jen, Gheryl, Maria, and Reggie, who showed such love and care to Helen in her final years. Helen’s medical team, including Dr. Justin Chopra and Anita Stern from Dorothy Ley Hospice, Mark King, and nurses Minh, Peter, and Anne, were a constant source of stable and compassionate support.

Funeral Mass will be held at St. Clement Roman Catholic Church, 409 Markland Dr., Etobicoke, on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 10am. A private family burial to follow.

For those who wish, donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Dorothy Ley Hospice in Etobicoke.