MACLEAN, Mary Helen: At the age of 99, less than one month from her 100th birthday, after a long struggle of aging with grace and dignity Mary Helen MacLean passed away peacefully on April 6, 2014 at Bruce Lee Haven in Walkerton, Ontario. Helen will be lovingly missed by her daughters and spouses Dr. Donna (Gil Caldwell) of Calgary, Margaret Anne (Joe Bonham) of Calgary, Jane (Ian Hignett) of London, Ontario and her children Janet and Natalie Davidson (Michael Cowen) and great granddaughter Addison Cowen, as well as sister-in-law Dr. Dorothy Campbell of Halifax, Nova Scotia and many nieces and nephews whom she was particularly close. Helen was predeceased by her parents Archie and Mary Jane Campbell of Inverness, N.S. her husband Joe as well as 3 infant siblings, and 2 sisters in their youth, Sadie MacIssac and Annabel and 4 siblings in later years, John Alex, Frederick, Georgina and Margaret Camlius. Helen was born in Inverness, N.S in 1914 into a large and loving family. Her life was full of Gaelic, Scottish music and dance. In 1939 she graduated in nursing at St. Martha hospital, Glace Bay, N.S. In 1941 she married Joseph Frederick MacLean of Pictou, N.S. The next year her oldest daughter Donna was born. Following that Joe served 4 years in the war in Europe. When he returned they moved to Ottawa where daughters Mary Jane (1947) and Margaret Ann (1951) were born. In Ottawa they were founding parishioners of Immaculate Heart of Mary parish, Joe on the building committee and Helen with the C.W.L. In 1968 they moved to Toronto where they were active members of the "Down Eastern" community. When Joe retired they moved to Lochaber, N.S. to their beloved "Beinn Abrach" (house on the hill) where they enjoyed many happy times with family friends and St. F.X. alumni. In later years Helen and Joe moved to Ottawa, then following Joe's death Helen moved to Kincardine, ON, then Walkerton near her daughter Jane who became her main source of support as she grew older and needed more care. Helen will be remembered for her philanthropic nature, kindness and tenacious spirit. She always had an ear to listen, a place at the table or spare bed for family or friend, a tribute to her parents and her Cape Breton roots. We are all stronger and kinder because of her example. The family wishes to thank the staff of Brucelea Haven, Walkerton, ON. for their exceptional care and compassion to our mother in her declining years. We are forever grateful that Helen's final years were filled with dignity and peace. Friends may pay respects at the Kelly Funeral Home, Walkley Chapel. submitted by Allan J. Gillis - [email protected]