January 15, 1924 – January 28, 2024
Helen Auld Washington (nee Rankin), born January 15, 1924, in Winnipeg Manitoba, passed away at her home in Mill Bay on January 28, 2024, 13 days after celebrating her 100th birthday.
Helen had been a resident of Mill Bay since 1962. Leaving Winnipeg, it was at Christmas of that year, that the family arrived at “Homewood”, the 40-acre estate located at the corner of Kilmalu Rd and Telegraph Rd. In the 1970’s she and her husband Jack subdivided the “estate” property into the “Keparo Road” subdivision. Helen named “Keparo Road” after her three sons, Keith, Paul, and Rob taking the first two letters of each name.
A very private individual, Helen was well-known for her independence and was respected throughout the community. She loved gardening and tending her flowers. Her resolute independence had her driving until she was 95. She was a voracious reader and even when she could no longer drive had the library drop off books every week. She had a love for all animals, dogs especially, and when once asked how many dogs she had over the years, Helen suggested it could be “up to a hundred”. She donated to the SPCA and other charities that she favored.
An inspiration to everyone, elevated to the matriarch of the Washington family upon the tragic death of her husband Jack in 1989 she served as an example of courage and determination to all that knew her.