HELEN STOKES

Helen Stokes of Fort Frances, Ont., formally of Schreiber, Ont., passed away May 10, 2004 at her residence at Rainycrest Home for the Aged after a short but courageous battle with cancer at the age of 83.
A devoted mother and grandmother, Helen will be lovingly remembered by her daughters, Cathy Brooks of Ottawa, Ont., and Ann (Doug) Anderson of Fort Frances, Ont.; sons, Mark (Marian) Stokes of Victoria, B.C., and Pat (Teresa) Stokes of Edmonton, Alta.; grandchildren, Andrew, Patrick, Carly, Jordan, Carla, Hanna, Justin, and Will; and great-granddaughter, Charlotte.
She also will be sadly missed by numerous nephews and nieces, as well as many close friends.
She was predeceased by her husband of 47 years, Jack Stokes; her brother, Leo, and sister, Marie, both of Toronto, Ont.; as well as her parents, Annie and Jimmy.
Born in Toronto on Feb. 28, 1921, Helen met and married Jack in October, 1952 and moved to Schreiber. In Schreiber, they spent many wonderful years with friends and family.
Upon Jack’s passing, Helen moved to Fort Frances to be near Annie and her family.
She was a nurturing mother and supportive wife, and her contributions to society were numerous, including literacy work. She also was an active member of the C.W.L.
Helen and Jack had an adventurous and hard-working life, with extensive travelling, politicing, and charity work.
Helen was a truly gentle and caring woman who embraced everyone. Our mother was the backbone of our family and provided all the love, support, and encouragement that anyone could ask for.
She enjoyed her grandchildren and swelled with pride at their accomplishments.
Cremation will take place, with a funeral mass and interment to be held Saturday, May 22, 2004 at 11 a.m. at the Holy Angel’s Church in Schreiber, Ont.
Reception to follow at the Schreiber Recreation Centre.
If friends or family so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to Rainycrest Home for the Aged, 550 Osborne St., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3T2 (1-807-274-9858).
In tears we saw you sinking,
We watched you fade away,
You suffered much in silence,
You fought so hard to stay,
You faced your task with courage,
Your spirit did not bend,
But still you kept on fighting until
the very end.
God saw you getting tired,
When a cure was not to be,
So when we saw you sleeping,
So peaceful, free from pain,
We could not wish you back,
To suffer that again,
We love you always,
Until we meet again.
All our love . . . your family