HELEN K.E. CROOK

Helen was born in Chandos Township of Eastern Ontario to Gladys and Ted Rusaw on Aug. 15, 1938.
One of eight children, she was predeceased by an infant brother, Lisle, and a sister, Winnifred; her brother-in-law, Ray; sister-in-law, Verda; as well as her parents.
She is mourned by her children, Kate and Andrew; daughter-in-law, Kayne; and her beloved grandson, Connor.
She will be greatly missed by her brothers and sisters, Pauline (Mike) Krayetski, Jim (Sue) Rusaw, Doreen Couch, Bill (Debbie) Rusaw, Phil Rusaw, and Barb (Dan) Johnson. Helen also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.
Helen dedicated her life to family, friends, her teaching career, and the numerous causes she held dear to her heart. She was dedicated to the welfare of her students, the betterment of working conditions in her profession, the achievement of literacy, the gift of reading, and the beautification of home and community through horticulture and, not least, the eradication of deer from the urban landscape.
Helen served on a variety of committees to assist in those endeavours.
Although the last months of her life were spent battling a devastating disease, Helen demonstrated the same courage and fortitude with which she approached all obstacles. She lived her life with grace, wisdom, and a spirit that was never broken.
At Helen’s request, there will be no funeral or visitation.
Rather, she asks that you join her family to share happy memories and refreshments at La Place Rendez-Vous on Monday, March 8, 2010 from 2-4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Arthritis Society, or the Canadian Cancer Society.
Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com