We are sad to announce the passing of Helen Lorraine Needham in Ottawa on December 28,2024 at the age of 96. She was the loving mother of Anne Coulter of Ottawa, and Michael Needham (Sherry) of South Carolina, U.S.A; grandmother to Heather, Sky, Aden, Sarah, Kurtis and Sam, and seven great-grandchildren. Helen is predeceased by her husband Gordon Needham of Barrie Ontario and her two step-daughters, Wendy and Gail Needham of Nanaimo British Columbia.
Helen was born in Wallaceburg, Ontario, in 1928 to Martin and Marie Chaika. Helen was a great story teller and loved to talk of her days growing up in Wallaceburg where she performed with the local dance band. She had a vibrant personality, and, in her younger days, she could be counted on at a party to sit down at the piano and lead a rousing song or two. What she most loved was her extended family and friends. She lived in Barrie, Ontario most of her life and enjoyed having people visit—particularly in summer around the backyard pool. Christmas was her favourite season when she could give gifts and preside over the dinner table with a glass or two of wine. Open-minded and curious about the world, she loved to travel and always said that her bag “was packed and ready to go” whenever an opportunity presented itself.
Helen worked in her early years but once married, devoted herself to taking care of her family. She was a long-time volunteer at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie where she made many friends.
Helen was a true-hearted and generous friend, loving mother and grandmother. We will miss her distinctive laugh, her colourful outfits, and big earrings. Most of all we will miss her kind and loving spirit.
In her usual unassuming and selfless way, Helen wanted a quiet send-off with a minimum of fuss. A small gathering will take place in Barrie most likely in the summer months, and as she instructed, she will join her husband, Gord, “in the wall” at the Barrie Union Cemetery.
Cremation has taken place. Donations can be made to Children Believe: https://childrenbelieve.ca/general-donation/ or The Canadian Cancer Society: https://cancer.ca/en