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HELEN MARY SISSON "When you are sorrowful, look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight." Kahlil Gibran Suddenly, but not unexpectedly, Helen began her next adventure on October 11, 2013 at the Victoria Hospital. Helen was born into a rich heritage May 20, 1915, on the family farm at Grassmere, MB to Alexander S. and Lila Matheson. She completed her elementary grades at Tecumseh rural school and went on to graduate from Stonewall Collegiate. She attended Winnipeg Normal School where she took the training which prepared her for her life work of stimulating, in others, the quest for knowledge and understanding be that in a school, a church, the community or on controversial world issues. As Mum recently wrote, "the philosophy of the Co-operative idea and movement became the Creed and most influential driving force of my life." She dedicated her life to educating and was a crusader for justice and peace. She worked tirelessly and passionately in the struggle for equality between men and women. Mum took us all on this spiritual journey with her, challenging our thoughts and beliefs, guiding us to open our minds to other ways of connecting with "the Spirit". Predeceased by her beloved husband Ken, her parents, her sisters Ruth and Jean, her brothers Ross and Alex (Mildred); as well as her Sisson family, Tom and Maud Sisson, Madge and Johnny Johnston, Charlie Mack, Clarence and Maude Sisson. Helen leaves to be grateful for her life, children Lesley and Dorland Brown and Paul and Janice Sisson. As well, she leaves six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren with happy memories including at her "Sisson's Serendipity". Helen also shared a special bond with her African family Ade, Dercontee, Sweet and little Dercontee. She will also be missed by her sister Mona Rutherford and in-laws Scotty and Peggy Sisson, Dorothy Sisson, Beth Mack and many nieces and nephews. Helen's circle of friends encompassed all ages and all walks of life Helen never met a stranger. Helen enjoyed and sought to find connections between everyone she met. Helen's enthusiasm for scrabble and canasta were surmounted only by her joy of laughter and the gathering of family and friends. A remembrance gathering will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 19, 2013 at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel at 2935 Pembina Highway. Flowers gratefully declined. Those wishing to do so may remember Helen through a gift to a charity of their choice. "When you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance." Marc Sanders and Tia Siller Doyle's Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 19, 2013
Condolences & Memories (14 entries)
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Mrs. Sisson was a grade teacher to myself and all my siblings as well as being a neighbour. Her children were playmates of ours and we spent many hours playing "kick the can" in her back yard. Last time I saw her was at my mother's 90th birthday and I cried like a little baby when I first saw her. A lovely lady with a heart of gold and a smile like none other. - Posted by: Ann Winch (nee Cochrane) (Longtime neighbour and family friend) on: Oct 23, 2013
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We are sorry to hear of Helen's passing she was a great person who always made you feel so special when we saw her. Our friendship started when she came to live on the farm in the Wingham district when Ken and her were married. She was a friend we will never forget we will miss her annual Christmas wishes. Al & Joan Hargest - Posted by: Albert & Joan Hargest (Albert Ken's cousin Joan neighbour Wingham district) on: Oct 23, 2013
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Helen taught with my mother at St. Avila, and considered her a friend whom she appreciated for her energy, spirit and wit. I am sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Christine (Crawford) Eldridge () on: Oct 22, 2013
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Of all the people that I have met in my life, Helen has to be the the most amazing. She will be truly missed and never forgotten. The visits we had with her were awesome. Rest in peace. - Posted by: Greg Stangl (Nephew by marriage) on: Oct 19, 2013
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The entire Ostlere family was touched by Helen throughout their lives. My three siblings were taught by her at St. Avila East School and I knew her as the mother of my good friend Lesley. My parents were involved with her at Trinity Church. We remember her as the kindest, most pro-active woman, with a ready smile and willing hand. We send our condolences to Lesley, Paul and the rest of her close friends and family. - Posted by: Debbie Nielsen (nee Ostlere) (family friend) on: Oct 18, 2013
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Mrs. Sisson was our grade five/six teacher at St. Avila East. But besides being a great teacher, she was the mother of my closest childhood friend, Lesley. She was a talented, generous and caring individual who truly touched the lives of all who knew her. She leaves behind so many fond memories. - Posted by: Kathy Cheramy (nee Larner) (Family friend) on: Oct 18, 2013
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Ken and I send our love to Lesley and Paul and all their dear family and to all the relatives and friend's that loved Helen so very much. She truly will be missed. Ken and I last visited with Helen on Oct.10th, 2010 at Cathie and Joe's wedding. We shared some old memories of times when Ken and I lived in Winnipeg. The most precious memory for us today is from that last time together when Ken walked over to Helen, she smiled with that beautiful smile, as Ken asked her for a dance. They danced two dances and she thanked him with big hugs and kind words. When we read the last line of the obituary "When you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance". We treasure that last dance so very much. God's blessings to all, Love Carol and Ken - Posted by: Carol and Ken Vokey (Second cousin ) on: Oct 18, 2013
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I met Helen 3 years ago, and she touched my heart from the moment our eyes met and we hugged. Her sweet smile, laugh, always welcome open arms her extended knowledge of life and the world around her. She gave to me a great gift, her daughter. Helen will aways have a place in my heart. - Posted by: Kim Suski (Family friend) on: Oct 18, 2013
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Helen's son Paul went to school with Ian Weighton, my brother of Grierson Ave .. Granny Bessie Grierson knew Helen in King's Park .. We were all very fond of Helen. What a delightfully upbeat person she was, so full of life and a wordsmith. She is fondly remembered and will be missed by all .. Anne McBride and Ian Weighton - Posted by: Elizabeth Anne McBride ( nee Weighton/ Grierson of Grierson Avenue. Winnipeg Fort Garry ( King's Par (friend/ neighbour ) on: Oct 17, 2013
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Mrs. Sisson worked with my father Dan Logan Daley and she treated my family with the utmost courtesy and respect. She was one of the most inspiring women I knew and we loved her great sense of humor and her insight into human nature. She will be sadly missed - Posted by: Irene Daley (friend) on: Oct 17, 2013
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Helen was a wonderful lady with a lot of spunk. She was very thoughtful and you always felt like a true friend when you were with her. She was interested in everything and everyone and had an opinion about it all. She included us in many of the family events which we greatly appreciated. Rest in peace Helen - you will be truly missed. - Posted by: Joanne & Bruno Stimpson (Family Friend) on: Oct 17, 2013
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From MFAC days to the Christmas "Epistles from Helen", she has been an inspiration to my wife and I. My life has been enriched and broadened by Helen. - Posted by: Doug Southam (Longtime Folk School, MFAC friend.) on: Oct 17, 2013
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When we sat down to our family thanksgiving dinner, my brother Bruce raised a glass and announced "a toast to Helen and her amazing life!" someone around the table chimed "Helen of Helen's cookies' This family favorite Christmas cookie recipe, was affectionately nick named 'Helen' cookies' years ago by our mother; Helen's at one time employee and forever family friend Betty McNabb. - Posted by: Beth McNabb (Family friend) on: Oct 17, 2013
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Goodbye to a lovely lady with a beautiful smile. - Posted by: Pat Davis () on: Oct 17, 2013