Passed away at home on Saturday, June 16th, 2018, surrounded by family. Born and raised in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia, Helen had a passion for travelling. Her keen sense of adventure brought her to work in England and to travel throughout Europe and South Africa. In 1973, she married a Canadian, which led her to permanently relocate to Canada two years later. On their journey to Canada, the couple made their way across Asia, travelling overland and exploring Nepal, northern India, Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan, and Turkey along the way. Eventually, after living and working in both Ottawa and Toronto, Helen and family settled in North Bay, Ontario.
Helen believed strongly in giving back to her community and was heavily involved in charitable work for over 26 years. Her dedication to volunteer work benefited several non-profit organisations and, in particular, she worked tirelessly in support of the Dr. Herbert A. Bruce Chapter of the IODE.
Helen is survived by her husband of 44 years, Geoffrey Nancekivell and by her daughter Natasha Nancekivell. She is also lovingly remembered by her younger brother Bruce and by her older sister Heather (Roser). Helen is predeceased by her parents, Clarris (Spargo) and Robert Allan McGregor and step-mother Elsie Small and by her sisters, Margaret (Noonan), Barbara (Walton) and Glenda (Sutton). She leaves behind nieces, nephews and cousins in Australia, Canada, and the United States.
An informal gathering in memory of Helen will be held at the family cottage at a later date. Friends and family are invited to make a donation to their favourite charity in Helen’s name. Cremation arrangements entrusted to HILLSIDE FUNERAL SERVICES.