Tribute Wall
Loading...
j
joanne buckmaster posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 4, 2022
That was the most detailed and Amazing obituary I've ever read!! I'd met Helen a few times, always in completely unrelated circumstances. The first was when she expressed an interest in joining the ABC Chorus, but distance and timing didn't seem right. At that time, she struck me as a person a bit older (10 years, as it turns out) than I, but full of enthusiasm and confidence that all will be well (or at least well enough to be thoroughly enjoyed). She and my own mother were women to emulate; aging was simply having more years to explore more things, discover new skills, and enjoy fresh adventures.
Thank you so much for sharing so much of Helen in her obituary.
Joanne Buckmaster
J
Jeanne Aisthorpe-Smith posted a condolence
Sunday, May 1, 2022
Just read the obituary for Helen and was surprised by some of it and laughed with joy at some more of it…..when you described Helen as a “Golden Retriever” it made me laugh out loud ….it was a perfect description…she was game for anything ….Like Helen, I was also born in England (which I knew) but my parents, who had middle names, did not give me or my brothers middle names….i did not know we had this in common….
i have known Helen since the beginning of her Maders Cove days and loved her big studio with the little house attached….and couldn’t believe she could leave it behind but understood her wanting peace of mind….she stayed with me many, many times over the years and loved to come to our area in the Spring as the snow was starting to recede off the fields as she loved to paint that landscape….so many things that were spoken of in her obituary I knew of as we talked so very much about art and art supplies and books about art and quilts …..she loved talking to my husband about her computer….she was very compassionate with me if I was annoyed at him about something and then would be very fascinated by him teaching her about her computer or fixing her computer…very separate things and one thing never negated the other thing…..we were both interested in growing things and gardens, having better health and she knew so much about vitamins etc. that she learned from her Mum and we both were/are animal lovers and used to bring her little dog, Blenda here… and we got along as kindred spirits do….we both had/have strong beliefs in DCI…
She was/is an amazing woman who knew so many things and was always willing to share her knowledge…her mind and her smile were brilliant and every time I think of her it makes me smile too…so many good memories and I hope your “next adventure” is all you hoped it would be Helen…Miss you dear friend xoxoxx
B
Betsy Reilley posted a condolence
Sunday, March 20, 2022
I remember Helen best from Soupstone Farm - so many memories of spending two summers there, helping build the house, all of us working together and having chores we had to do for the multifamily living situation we had there. I loved the kitchen pegboard with outlines of where everything belonged. I remember writing my name in the wall studs of the new house. Using the old crank clothes washing machine was an adventure. And being hired by the local blueberry farm and contributing our pay to the greater good of our extended group living together. Many life lessons! I was a young teen at the time, not always enthusiastic about these things, but I cherish these memories! Betsy Reilley.
K
Kelly Goleniec (Corbett) uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, February 23, 2022
/public-file/845/Ultra/663de7bc-1ad0-42cd-b3bc-53fb6f2b50b4.jpeg
/public-file/846/Ultra/2917ff10-00b8-4c1a-815d-7fc1a3612a4f.jpeg
/public-file/847/Ultra/a5fe8c8d-5ab2-47ba-aba5-db54646d04de.jpeg
/public-file/848/Ultra/d73a7bc7-297f-4381-b6a1-4508416292c7.jpeg
+ 1
Where to begin, Helen was a breathe of fresh air with a beautiful heart. My Parents Al & Rita Corbett introduced me to her, one day at Corbett’s Studio,Saint Stephen New Brunswick (Harvey Studio) . Brilliant woman , a laughter and that smile was Contagious always my day. My parents often visited Helen , that’s where I met Jen her beautiful daughter. Very creative ways of doing things. Never was boring always an adventure. I remember those days we came over for home made waffles and the things to put on them and the HUGE table ….of course my eyes we’re always bigger then my tummy haha . The field of Blueberry for miles , always went on the path to go swimming. I was always learning when we were with the family. Learning how to make Oatmeal porridge with raisins lol , found out I love apricots etc .Always could find the big bottle, yummy healthy treats. So so many many great chats and soo many memories.
I had never seen a beanbag before and she said we could sit on them as the adults chatted away, I often fell asleep on them lol soo comfy. Very peaceful place to be as a young girl. I’ve learned a lot . I often tell my children of the adventures at the Brigham home. I just wished they could have met her. Big hugs to all that knew Helen, my dear friend we will miss you, but the stories we made will always make me smile . Thank you for everything. Love Kelly Goleniec (Maiden Corbett)
M
Margo Tassi uploaded photo(s)
Friday, February 18, 2022
/public-file/837/Ultra/4698ce7a-7c82-417e-83e4-67a1662c974d.jpg
/public-file/838/Ultra/6e7f0dac-2ba9-4e65-9d2c-9a7e57c62395.jpg
/public-file/839/Ultra/e09597e5-a261-4883-8c2b-6ded1e293765.jpg
Hello, My name is Margo Tassi. I knew Helen through Jennie Morrow who was with us when I took the picture of Helen painting above the cliffs off Deveau Shore Rd. Most people would be facing the ocean, but Helen said she didn't like painting looking down, so that is how I got this great photo of her with all her painting gear. In 2012, Helen joined me in the canoe to canoe back to a campsite I had on Darling Lake. We stayed two nights. When we wanted to protect our food from bears, Helen tossed a heavy rope high over a tree branch so we could get it off the ground! I'm a nervous camper, so I brought Helen along in part for protection. I was disappointed to learn that she slept with ear plugs so she wouldn't have to be "hyper- vigilant" (Her words.) When I was startled by a loud splash in the middle of the night, I convinced myself it had to be an animal, not a person, as i knew Helen was sleeping through! Her willingness to go got me over there for a really wonderful trip. I'm just sorry that she missed the barred owl hooting in the middle of the night, "Who cooks for you?"!! She was a special person who brought a lot of joy into any adventure.
r
richard cianflone posted a condolence
Sunday, February 13, 2022
I only new Helen for a number of years in the early 2000s when myself and my partner moved to Annapolis royal from the US. I had spent a number of afternoons with her painting and taking 'lessons' from her. She had a wonderful and inspirational manner about her that welcomed you right in without criticism or hesitation. I learned so much much from her about light and color and shadow and she was forever patience and encouraging. Not to say the least, entertaining! Her disorganized studio with bits of this and that all over that spoke of many years of creativity truly reflected her quirky personality.
She was a dear person and will be missed. Annapolis has lost one of its most unique and charming characters.. Thank you Helen for the memories and may you be on your journey forward exploring new worlds and building new places.
E
Ellen Agger uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, February 6, 2022
/public-file/828/Ultra/5f54bf56-e3f9-4aeb-b9df-ccf5357da116.jpg
/public-file/829/Ultra/c85b1db5-e67f-46c1-ad46-347d1ea66012.jpg
Helen was a force of nature, always inspiring, always making me laugh and shake my head. I met her while waiting for my furniture to arrive in Mahone Bay so I could move into my new house, as she held a several day watercolour course in her studio in Mader's Cove. This was an important introduction to picking up a paintbrush for the first time (I have my still life banana somewhere), her generosity, her quirkiness, her cooking and recipes, and some of her women friends, who became mine. The day after the deer gobbled up her finally ripe tomatoes, we both cobbled together deer fences for our beloved vegetable gardens. She shared many types of heritage tomato seeds with me, painted tulips from my garden, gave me her squash custard recipe and much laughter. I was always in awe of her energy and independence, even as she aged, especially for gardening and nutrition (I too grew up an Adele Davis fan). This obituary captured her beautifully. I didn't know we shared no-middle-name status -- and for the same reason. I look at "our" tulips and her pear every day, thinking of her fondly from the west coast.
T
Terrie Zweep posted a condolence
Saturday, February 5, 2022
Dear Hopie, is what I addressed you as. You gave me a gift when you stayed with me for 10 days at a house/dog sit in Toronto. You invited yourself because you wanted to take the train and see Kennsington Market and Yorkville. We did and I saw and experienced in a way never before. Terrified, I swam the tidal waters near Granville Ferry with you. Your lips turning blue, continually talking the whole time as I struggled, 20 years younger than you, to keep up. One late summer visiting your
house was filled with fruit flies as you dehydrated a bountiful harvest. You made me smile when you pulled out the vacuum cleaner hose suck up clouds of fruit flies. Then the many Mader Cove escapades snowshoeing, kayaking, swiming, foraging and helping you declutter. Ha ! I have my prized memories shared with you to cherish knowing you are off on your grand plans again.
L
Lloyd Nauss posted a condolence
Saturday, February 5, 2022
Helen was my neighbour in Mader's Cove. She was my mentor as well. Although familiar with country living at a distance, visiting my grandparents farm from a wee babe to early twenties, I settled in to restore an old homestead, learn about real country living and relive my childhood memories. Helen found water for me when a new well was required, taught me the process of raising chickens from farmyard to plate, confirmed that I was doing it as it should be done to have some degree of success.
DCI became a useful tool and with a focus to feel a "deal" for anything needed from second hand stores before going.
I have several pieces of her work hanging in my home in prominent locations, first visual to see upon entry and last visual upon exit... it rounds out and helps fulfill the excursion.
I still refer to the house down the lane as hers after many change of hands and recall to memory of her teachings as I do a chore. I envied her love of being free.
Onward to your next adventure Helen... stay the course.
L
Lynn Rotin posted a condolence
Saturday, February 5, 2022
I knew Helen for over 25 years, first meeting her at the AGNS at an artists' function. When I moved to Mahone Bay she was living in Mader's Cove. One year we raised chickens together. Well, she looked after them and did the killing herself behind the shed. Then she taught me how to clean them. We did it in her kitchen. I'm surprised that neither of us got sick when we ate them because it was not a very sanitary process.
Helen's house was always a mess but she was a master of organization, creating systems for wiring paintings, storage solutions, and placing shelves in strategic spots. I stayed at her home many times when I went to Annapolis Royal for Paint the Town. She was an engaging conversationalist with a prodigious memory. She had a strong work ethic. She had no fear and was always herself, never afraid of expressing her beliefs.
She named each of her vehicles but I can't remember what she called the car she bought from me. Her cars were as messy as her home, always full of painting supplies. She painted even in winter sitting inside the car painting the landscape. Helen was hardy.
She was someone I looked up to, admired, and saw as a role model. She didn't let age stop her from doing anything. She didn't let anything stop her. Ever. Until now. Goodbye Helen. May your memory be a blessing. xo
R
Rosmarie Lohnes posted a condolence
Saturday, February 5, 2022
I met Helen briefly at Second Story women's Ctr in Lunenburg, she was doing an art class. She said to me, young lady it seems you have big dreams and goals, don't let your trauma deflate that! Get out there and achieve, you deserve it" she gave my shoulder a little pat and a shove, I'll never forget that. Thank you Helen, I have taken your advise:)
Have fun on the next adventure. Xo Rosmarie
D
Dr Corinne B Leek posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 1, 2022
I remember Helen as being very much her own woman. I first met her as a friend said I should meet her and I went out to the Parker's Cove wharf where she was painting. She had a lovely sense of colour and flowers. She and daughter wound up spending a night at my place due to moving into a new place issues. She and I went to the South Shore for a weekend similar to Annapolis' Paint the Town and both came away with the same point of view. The event was less than stellar, but we both had a good time anyways.
I was saddened to hear she had gone on to the next Great Adventure. Bless her heart. She was a memorable woman.
f
frank taussig posted a condolence
Friday, January 28, 2022
Helen was my first cousin. My first memory of her is from when I was about 5, which would have made her around 18. She came to live with us for a while because she was having trouble dealing with her mother, understandable at that age and even more understandable from what i remember of her mother, my aunt. Also to help my mother take care of me and my brother. I remember her making some delicious peach ice cream for us with great enthusiasm. I remember most everything she did she did with great enthusiasm. And I remember even then her wonderful smile, and how nice it was having her in the house.
Over the years we would drift apart and then reconnect from time to time but I always remember that great enthusiasm and that wonderful huge smile. I remember her absolute confidence to follow her own path and do what she wanted. I remember her wonderful spirit. I remember her wonderful paintings. We have a wonderful little book, illustrated of course, that she did while staying at our house one time from the point of view of our two little doggies. A treasure.
We have not seen her as much as we would have liked since she moved to Granville Ferry but we have thought of her many times. I often wanted to go down there and see her recently but life was always to busy. I should have just followed what would have been her advice, which would have been to just go and do what you want to do.
She is missed.
Frank and Norma Taussig
R
Rosemary Dzus posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
My heartfelt condolences to Helen’s family and friends – although I have never met most of you!
I met Helen during the winter of 2014-2015, when my husband and I, living in Canning, were in Annapolis Royal, putting up my paintings at Artsplace Gallery.
Helen walked in, on a matter completely unrelated to my show, spotted one of the paintings, and said, “I love that shade of blue.” Well, with that, I loved her immediately, and we became friends.
Helen had a guilelessness and openness about her that may have had something to do with ADHD, but I very much appreciated her honesty and directness. I was impressed by her independence, and her willingness to leave relationships that were not supportive, in spite of what the security and economic costs might be to her. Having done the same myself, albeit likely 20 or 30 years later than she did, I knew from experience how hard it could be. I was impressed by her knowledge and skills in building, and had a chance to see her at work on her boat, although it was not sailing ready the last time I saw Helen.
My husband and I lived in Nova Scotia for just a year, but I kept in touch with Helen through email over the years. To me, she became a beacon and a grand example of a life lived independently and freely. In fact, I saw her as a surrogate mother figure, and it is a sad, sad thing to lose her.
- Rosemary Dzus
G
Graham Hart posted a condolence
Saturday, January 15, 2022
I was taken on a moving, nostalgic journey by that beautifully written reflection on Helen .... it both confirmed, and took me well beyond, my existing understanding of her. She was self sufficient in the extreme and was always willing to help others without being asked. She generously assisted me in applying paint to a floor in my house one day ... I helped her with some wiring issues in her home for which she insisted on giving me a deal on one of her small paintings that I had admired. My dear sister, Sharon, kindly purchased a relatively large water colour of Helen's that hangs on the east wall of the kitchen in Lunenburg, and remains one of my favourite pieces of art. She was a character in the extreme in her own unique way, and I never failed to learn something from here whenever I was in her company. She is fondly remembered and sadly missed.
P
Patricia Reardon posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 12, 2022
In October 2020 I asked Helen to join me on a trip to Long Island to pick up a cat. I was very pleased to discover how familiar she was with the area and how to fully enjoy the time before the ferry time. It added an aspect to the trip that I had not expected. When we did get back to Annapolis Royal, she made sure that the cat would not be given town water on its exit from the carrier. Her water was not an option but she made sure that the relocated animal received distilled water. In the time of that trip and any time I spent with her, she listened, was supportive and left you with the feeling of being special and important in her life and the lives of others.
D
Donna Boyko uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, January 12, 2022
/public-file/816/Ultra/5094ea10-75cc-4d4c-82ab-bb29133b6063.jpg
When my grandson, Ellis, was just a toddler, Helen dropped by to say she had an easel and he should have it. Helen's gift provided Ellis with many happy painting hours in my basement studio. Thank you Helen!
R
Rena Butler posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 12, 2022
My sympathies to the family….
Expect the unexpected and you’ve met Helen.
I was changing the sheets upstairs..looked out the window and our car was back sitting in the middle of the driveway …..went to check on Brent to find out what happened …realize not our car….Helen was laying back…sound asleep….said when she got here to talk to Brent she realized she wanted a nap. So she dropped her seat and snoozed expecting Brent would wake her ….eventually…so..we had tea..
Rena Butler
2
The family of Helen Opie uploaded a photo
Wednesday, January 12, 2022
/tribute-images/1707/Ultra/Helen-Opie.jpg
Please wait
2
The family of Helen Opie uploaded a photo
Wednesday, January 12, 2022
/tribute-images/1708/Ultra/Helen-Opie.jpg
Please wait
O
The family of Helen Opie uploaded a photo
Wednesday, January 12, 2022
/tribute-images/1712/Ultra/Helen-Opie.jpg
Please wait
F
The family of Helen Opie uploaded a photo
Wednesday, January 12, 2022
/tribute-images/1710/Ultra/Helen-Opie.jpg
Please wait
F
The family of Helen Opie uploaded a photo
Wednesday, January 12, 2022
/tribute-images/1711/Ultra/Helen-Opie.jpg
Please wait
F
The family of Helen Opie uploaded a photo
Wednesday, January 12, 2022
/tribute-images/1709/Ultra/Helen-Opie.jpg
Please wait
J
Jenny uploaded photo(s)
Monday, January 10, 2022
/public-file/810/Ultra/8a1a8cae-4445-488f-839e-4882bb10ceaf.jpg
/public-file/811/Ultra/1ee4fa87-3097-49e2-a15a-2ad8c1d0c73a.jpg
/public-file/812/Ultra/924319fb-ac3e-4f52-b6fb-b1fb60971219.jpg
/public-file/813/Ultra/8d50775c-a549-4a4f-bf55-5a2a1fbac205.jpg
+ 2
B
Brenda J Thompson posted a condolence
Friday, January 7, 2022
My first memory of meeting Helen was of her standing beside a boat that she intended to launch in the Annapolis River and sail up to Bridgetown on a 'trial run when she was in her 70s. Our mutual friend, a boat builder, was helping her with her boat. I met up with Helen so many times after that at book launches, art shows and protests. She was a force to be reckoned with! My last significant meeting with her was at the the fresh water run where she and I were both filling up jugs of water. Knowing that Helen was over 80 years old, I offered to put her jugs of water in her van. No sir! she said. I'm 86 years old and the reason why I made it this far is because I use it rather than lose it. Respect Helen! You were one of a kind.