Born in Victoria, Helen was a graduate of Vic High and Royal Jubilee Hospital School of Nursing (1952). Helen cared for others throughout her life; it was second nature as a nurse.
Her accomplishments were many and varied. They included helping to open St Joseph’s eye ward and Glendale Lodge. Helen developed emergency preparedness procedures and in-service training videos long before this was common. She was constantly learning new skills. One such skill was therapeutic touch which she brought to Glendale and the Holistic Nurses Group on Vancouver Island. A long-time member of RNABC, she was very active helping to preserve Pemberton Memorial Chapel at RJH. She also served as RJH Alumnae president for three years.
Helen enjoyed boating, traveling to New Zealand, Bermuda, and the UK with her husband Geoff. She also spent time writing stories about our family dogs and resident eagles on their farm. Predeceased by her father Alexander, mother Jessie and her brother Clarke, cousins Grace and Alan, sister-in-law Anna and Ruby, brother-in-law Ron.
Helen is survived by husband of 66 years Geoff, sons Brian ( Louise) and Wayne (Laurie), granddaughter Danica and grandson Yann. Also, by brother George, sister-in-law Barbara and many nephews and nieces. Helen will also be missed by many relatives in Alberta, Vancouver, Scotland, England, Ireland, and Seattle.
A family celebration of Helen’s life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice https://victoriahospice.org/how-you-can-help/ways-to-donate/donate/ or Pemberton Memorial Chapel at RJH.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Penny Hobson-Underwood
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Joyce Wilson Helen was one of the most influential people in my life. When I think of Helen, I think of this picture of Helen wearing her nurse’s cap and uniform. Helen was an exemplary nurse.
Helen was the inspiration for many young nurses.
She will be remembered for her thoughtfulness, caring, considerate, conscientiousness ways in all aspects of her life.
My deepest sympathy to Geoff and all the family.
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Melanie king To Brian and Louise
My sincere condolences on the loss of your mother.It sounds as though she was an amazing woman.
Melanie King
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Carole Wilkinson Brian, Louise, Danica, Yann, Wayne, Laurie: Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve the loss of a mother, mother-in-law and grandmother. She will be missed we are sure. May you treasure the memories of your time with her and, at the same time, know that her suffering is finally over and that she is in a better place. Our most sincere condolences. Jim and Carole Wilkinson.
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Lorna Bjorklund My heart goes out to you at this time. Although I did not know Helen personally, I became acquainted with her through stories you told about. She was a remarkable woman with a remarkable family. God be with you!
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Josee et les Papillon Sincères sympathies à vous même loin nous sommes de cœur avec vous Bon courage dans cette perte d’une maman pour Brian et Wayne, d’une conjointe pour monsieur Joslin, d’une grand-mère pour Danica et Yan et d’une belle mère pour Louise et Lorrie.
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Gord Fulcher and Lis Johansen I did not know Helen, but do know Brian and he is one of the best. Our condolences to everyone affected by her loss.
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Nancy Harrison I worked with Helen at Glendale and well remember her decency, kindness, honesty and work ethic. She was one of the finest.
Nancy Harrison,
Victoria BC
Helen was our mum’s (Helen Hobson (nee Morris) best friend, since they were young women in training together at RJH. It is through Helen that my sister Jennifer and I learned of mum’s nickname (Racing Red! ) because she was always late… as well as many of their early exploits together. Our mum sadly became ill and eventually died at age 62. Helen was a treasure – an exemplary friend until the end, both to mum and our father. She initiated the refurbishment of the disused and dusty Pemberton Chapel at RJH so the nurses could have mum’s memorial service there in 1993. It was amazing. She also maintained contact with us through the years, sending cards when we had children, sending us photos that she found. She and our father, Gordon Hobson, continued mum and Helen’s tradition of sending a birthday card back and forth. She was such a radiantly big hearted and lovely person and she will be missed by many. Our deepest condolences to her husband Geoff and all her children. We will always remember her with gratitude and appreciation. Penny Hobson-Underwood and Jennifer Hobson Roy