HELEN HORN GORDON PATTERSON

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HELEN HORN GORDON PATTERSON (née MENNIE) June 12, 1924 March 15, 2013 Attended with loving care by the nursing staff, Helen, aged 88, peacefully passed away at Boyne Lodge in Carman, on Friday, March 15. Helen was born in Carman Hospital and grew up on the family farm south of town. She worked alongside her parents and three brothers on every aspect of the farm until she finished high school. She did her first paid work, part time, at "the show" in Carman, running the ticket wicket. While attending Carman School, Helen accompanied the Presbyterian Church junior choir on the piano during rehearsals, and sang with them on Sunday mornings. The Mennie family was very musical, with each member singing, Scottish dancing, and playing at least one instrument. Helen and younger sister Ruth blended their voices beautifully with soprano-contralto duets for many years. It was a treat to hear them sing and trade places at the piano. Helen attended business school in Winnipeg and worked as a secretary and office manager in the city for 16 years. She returned to Carman to stay when she married childhood friend and classmate, Allan "Pat Patterson" in 1958. When their kids were older, Helen returned to secretarial work in Carman for a few years. She was active in community life through the Carman United Church, UCW, and senior choir, Legion Ladies Auxiliary, Rebekah Lodge, and canvassing door-to-door for various charities. Helen was an avid fan of Marjorie's musical and Bruce's athletic activities well into their adult years, and helped with all fund-raising projects. She knitted countless baby shawls and afghans that she gave as gifts or donated to charities to use as raffle prizes. Helen lived in Boyne Lodge for the past two years and enjoyed excellent health care, activities, and friendships. She is survived by Marjorie, her daughter, Bruce and Sue, her son and daughter-in-law, grandkids Deedee, Sonney, Allan, and Gordie, all of Winnipeg, and by her sister and brother-in-law, Ruth and Gordon Elliott of University Place, Washington, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends of the Mennie and Patterson clans. Helen was predeceased by Pat, her husband (1989) and Barbara Ruth, her daughter (1968), parents Alec and Jessie, brothers Alec, Bill, and Les, sisters-in-law Bert (Argue) and Estelle (Perrault), and Pat's parents, siblings, and in-laws. Helen wished for a private graveside service, planned for Tuesday, March 19 in Carman, with Reverend Harold Kenyon officiating. Marjorie and Bruce would like to thank everyone who cared for Helen during the past two years at Boyne Lodge. You helped to renew her spirit, and make her final years meaningful, active and joyful. God Bless You. Friends wishing to make a memorial donation are encouraged to consider giving to the Society for Manitobans with Disabilities (825 Sherbrook Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3A 1M5). Doyle's Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements. www.doylesfuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 19, 2013