Helen First – Our Fellow Line Dancer and Friend
October 18, 1936 – August 15, 2021
Our dear friend in line dancing, Helen First, has succumbed to cancer, and has left our dance floor here to take it up to heaven, and join some of our other line dance friends there. Helen was 85 years young, and up until a couple of years ago, was full of life, energy (hoping I have the same energy as she did at her age), and kindness, but a very private person. She often made little things for our dance group who have been together for over 20 years or more, an example being spoilers, which we have worn from time to time. Always doing something – whether it be working at the Lodge in St. Charles, travelling with her daughter Cathy (and they did lots!), or just relaxing at the Lodge during the summer with a nice cold beer!
Those that have had the opportunity to meet and know Helen will cherish fond memories. Always willing to go along with others in our group to events, and preparing the coffee in the hotel room, making the bed before the housekeeping staff came in to do the same thing, and cleaning up after others was her legacy. Very chatty at times, and other times quiet but involved in whatever we may have been doing at the time.
She will be greatly missed in our community, but always with us in spirit.
Helen: we will dance with and for you, no matter where you may put your feet down on the dance floor!
Enjoy some of the pictures that we have of our times together. Her daughter Cathy has also supplied some pictures from her "other life" opposed to dancing. Thank you, Cathy!
On August 15, 2021, Helen First passed away. She was 85 years young. She leaves behind me, her daughter Cathy, her sisters Joyce Morton, Jean Tarrington, brother David Tarrington, many nieces and nephews, “daughter No. 2”, Wendy Manner, and her special friend and longtime companion Richard Gervais of St. Charles.
Helen retired from a long a distinguished career at Sudbury Regional Police, where her support was invaluable to the many Chiefs’ she served. On retirement she had the time to enhance her many interests. She took up the guitar, line-dancing, and travelling, all of which she pursued with her usual vigor and enthusiasm. She loved animals and baseball. She was also a proud supporter of the Royal Canadian Legion. Our last trip together was to visit Vimy Ridge and the Canadian War Cemeteries in France and in Belgium.
My mom loved life and graced everywhere she went with her special brand of magic. She had a sense of wonder that allowed her to experience life to the fullest. She was my mom, my best friend, and my travelling companion. No matter how unconventional, she supported my dreams. We travelled the world together and had many adventures. I am truly blessed to have so many wonderful memories.
Thanks to Dr Pearce and Dr Singh, to the staff at HSC on the 4th floor north tower, to the Chaplain Rhonda Hirst and to Dr. Ferroni-Fortier. Special thanks to the residents of Lakeshore Manor who were always there to help. It was greatly appreciated.
At Helen’s request there will be no Funeral Service. Cremation has taken place. Donations may be made to the Regional Cancer Centre, the SPCA, or the charity of your choice.
