CARD, Helen Edith (nee Perkin)

Helen Edith Card (nee Perkin) was born on the family fruit farm in Vineland Station, Ontario on March 3, 1939 to Jack and Pearl Perkin. She passed away peacefully on May 5, 2020 following a long and courageous fight against cancer. Her final days were spent under the excellent care of the team of the Palliative Care Unit, St. Paul’s Hospital, Saskatoon.

Helen graduated from the Toronto Western Hospital School of Nursing (RN 1960) as well as Queen’s University School of Nursing (BNSC 1962). It was while at Queen’s University that she met the love of her life, Robert (Bob) who was at medical school at the time. They married in Vineland United Church on June 2, 1962. Helen began her nursing career as a nursing instructor at Kingston General Hospital as well as working part time at the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital in Grimsby, Ontario. In March of 1973, Helen and Bob moved to Saskatoon and have remained here ever since with the exception of sabbatical and leave time spent in San Francisco, Hamilton, Ottawa and Calgary. Helen and Bob were married for almost 58 years with many adventures, trips, cruises, and a shared life of raising their three children and creating a loving home. Mom was a care giver in the true sense of the word. She started out with nursing as a focus but when she left nursing, she changed her focus to Bob, Sharon (Scott), Mike and Geoff (Christine). After the birth of her three cherished grandkids she ensured they were cared for as well. Helen was extremely creative - knitting, needlework, Bobbin lace, crochet - she could do it all and did it well. Helen’s love of and skill in teaching crafts led her to become joint owner (with Judith Gidluck) of Needlework Nook in the Avalon Shopping Center for many years. She always had many projects on the go and was delighted to share these with others. Many a baby in Saskatoon and elsewhere would receive one of her handmade blankets or sweaters. She was busy with many projects right up until her recent admission. Helen was predeceased by her parents Jack and Pearl Perkin and her sister, Ruth. She is survived by her husband Bob; sister Bernice Cushnie, Vineland Station; sister-in-law Mary Card, Toronto as well as by her daughter Sharon (Scott Irwin), Saskatoon; and her sons Michael, Edmonton and Geoffrey (Christine), Calgary. She has three grandsons, Nicholas and Joshua, Calgary and Niklos, Saskatoon. She will be remembered by her many cousins, nieces and nephews many in Ontario. She had many dear friends who will miss her as well. Although she will be sorely missed, she leaves many memories and much wisdom - her smile, her laugh, her attention to detail, along with the best mashed potatoes, peanut butter squares - and for some reason always a knife in her hands! She never failed to get the last scrap of meat off the turkey.

In view of the current situation there will be a memorial service for immediate family only in May 2020. This will be followed by a celebration of Helen’s life to be announced at a later date, as circumstances allow. In lieu of flowers consider a donation to one of the Saskatoon Hospital Foundations (Royal University Hospital, St. Paul’s Hospital, or Saskatoon City Hospital) or a charity of your choice. Arrangements in care of Aimé Laventure - Mourning Glory Funeral Services (306) 978-5200 www.mourningglory.ca