HELEN STEVENS (nee PETROFF)
1922 - 2015
After 93 years, (born May 8, 1922) our dear Mom decided that ‘enough is enough’ and quietly left us on the morning of October 27, 2015. Her health betrayed her over the past couple of years but she was only in any measureable level of discomfort for the last few of her days and we are thankful for that. She is predeceased by her husband Bo, grandson Brodie her brothers Alec, Chris, and sister Vicki. Helen leaves a legacy of love and compassion making her a tough act to follow for her children Ginny, Sharon, and Paul and their respective spouses Ian, Bryan, and Stephanie. Her grandsons John, Patrick, and Evan have their work cut out for them if they wish to maintain the standard that has been set. Nana would of course offer them unrelenting support and encouragement. Helen always thoroughly enjoyed anything to do with her family that included her many nieces and nephews and their growing families. In fact it was always a source of family amusement that she would consistently invite her nephew Rob to our house despite that fact that in our younger years, something made of glass was going to be broken. We think this had something to do with her overwhelming sense of compassion, causing logical decisions to take a back seat. An active life that included bowling with her Willowdale neighbourhood ladies, knitting enough stuff to cover Yonge Street, while always making sure we ate properly. She enjoyed going to Blue Jays games with Bo and thought that the ‘Wave’ was some kind of existential experience. “It’s just the Wave Mom.” “Oh sure, but it’s so much fun!” was her response. Her enjoyment of fitness extended well into her 80s to the point of almost embarrassing her much younger contemporaries at her health club. Despite waning physical and mental capabilities in her later years, Helen retained a level of humour that would cause Las Vegas to take notice. For example, at a recent visit to her nursing home, the question was asked, “So Mom, what’s happening?” Surveying the bluerinse group that shared the seating area, she quickly replied, “Have a look around. Nothing!” Well said Mom. Mom, you were as good as it gets and your family and friends are invited to remember your many great years at the R.S. Kane Funeral Home 6150 Yonge Street, Toronto, on Sunday, November 1, 2015. Visitation will be available from 12-2 p.m. with a service to follow at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Bethany Lodge Foundation. It will be much appreciated.