BALSER (Palmeter) (Durling), Helen Mae

Age 99 of Middleton, formerly of Kingston, passed away on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 in Heart of the Valley Long Term Care Centre, Middleton. Born in Hemford, on June 4, 1921, she was a daughter of the late Havelock and Alma (Fredericks) Durling. Helen, her parents, and brother moved to Torbrook when she was three. As a young adult, she moved to Middleton. Following the Second World War, she married James Palmeter. Helen was an active member of Kingston United Baptist Church. She was a wonderful, loving, and caring mother. She was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, grandmother, greatgrandmother and aunt. Her home was always immaculate and smelled of delicious freshlybaked goods. Her hobbies included sewing, crocheting, and quilting. She sewed clothes for herself, her daughters and her daughters’ dolls. Her favourite activity was a good game of 45’s. Several years after her husband, James’ ("Bud") death, she married Earle Balser. She travelled extensively with senior groups for a significant number of years across Canada, United States, and Europe. Helen will be deeply missed by her daughters, Margaret (Irving) Keddy, North Kingston; Sharon (David) Killam, Woodville; and Joan O’neil, Beaver Bank; eight grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and great great-grandson, Easton Robert Peck. She is also survived by sisters-in-law, Jenny George, Barb Durling, and Marion Durling; brother-in-law, Glen Trask; several nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by first husband, James Palmeter; infant sons, Phillip and Glenn; her second husband, Earle Balser; siblings, Lester, Mabel, Harry, Maxine, and Keith; son- in- law, Dan O’neil; and her grandson, Trevor O’neil. The family wishes to extend their thanks and gratitude to Helen’s helpful and caring friends and neighbours in Kingston and area. Thank you to Tibbetts Home for Special Care and to Heart of the Valley for their care and compassion over the last six years. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private family funeral service will be held on Sunday, January 3, 2021 in Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main St. toll free 1-855-825-3448 with Rev. Leon Langille officiating. Burial will take place in North Kingston Cemetery. Donations in memory may be made to Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia or a charity of choice. Online guestbook may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com