SYLLIBOY, Helen

Helen Marie Sylliboy, age 68, of Eskasoni, passed away on Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney.

Born in Sydney, she was the daughter of the late Athanasius and Theresa Sylliboy. Helen began her career in the educational field in 1974, working as an educational counsellor with Indian Affairs. In 1975 she was hired by the Eskasoni Band as a social counsellor. In 1980 she became a guidance counsellor for the Eskasoni School Board. During this time she was instrumental in bringing together a native Teacher Ed program with UNB, 26 Mi’kmaq educators along with herself, graduating in 1984 with their B.ED’s . Helen considered this one of the greatest moments in her counselling career. In 1999 her love for the Mi’kmaq language and prayers come full circle as she began her translation work and spending time learning from our elders in her position in Mi’kmaq language curriculum. In recent years she devoted her time to translating scripture and compiling a Mi’kmaq language lexicon, doing translation work for numerous groups, as well as pursuing her favourite hobby of family trees (Msit No’kmaq). She also volunteered her time in prayers, ladies club, Red Cross, Native Women’s Association and the Young Christian Student Club. Up until her recent illness, you would find Helen at her computer working or welcoming and sharing her gift of language with visitors from far and near. Helen received the Grand Chief Donald Marshall Elders Award along with the Role Model of the Year Award.

Helen is survived by her daughter, Kristal (Oliver) Sylliboy; sons, Clifford King, Logan (Ann) King and Duma (Mag) Bernard; sisters, Harriot Sylliboy, Linda Gould, Barbara Sylliboy and Iris (Raymond) Doucette; brothers, Athanasius (Rhenelda) Sylliboy and Norman (Arlene) Sylliboy; grandchildren, Emerald, Brandy, Landon, DJ, Kayden and Jetta; great grandchild, Sóseo Marshall, and many nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed by her beloved godchildren.

She was predeceased by her brother, Kenny Sylliboy; sister, Lorraine Sylliboy, and brothers, Tommy Sylliboy and John Duncan.

Visitation will begin at 7 p.m. on Thursday, February 8 at Gabriel Center, Eskasoni. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Family Church with Fr. Martin MacDougall officiating. Burial in parish cemetery.

Online condolences may be sent to www.twcurry.com.