Belated condolences. ........ she was a wonderful lady who I remember fondly from childhood.

This family is far too fractured. ........ my children wish they could know more about my cousins......

Sorry to hear about your Mother and grandmother. She was a sweet lady. Our consolation is knowing "he will call and they will answer"! Her future is secure!

I remember the days were granny would make us kids food and we would go to her house and we would all play on her chair that goes up and down the stairs. I don't think she liked it very much but she wouldn't put up with our funny behavior just to see the smiles on our faces wile we went up and down the stairs. I also remember being granny's partner at our yukor (don't know how to spell it) tournament at mellow yellow i wouldn't have to do anything, but we placed at the top anyways.i will truly miss granny, GG WP granny for always being a good granny.

Memories are a funny thing. Random, selective, contagious, private, cherished. Above all, they are ours. This week has been one of reflection for all touched by my Grandma, Granny. What wonderful memories it has evoked. As we share them we connect the dots and ourselves to each other.

My memories have included flashbacks to times that obviously made an impression and become part of my legacy as a 'Downes'. The smells of Granny's home, pierogies frying in a cast iron skillett, fresh cut peonies in a vase, the garden, dove soap, cleaning fluids, even the stale smoke in the couch from Grandpa and the musty smell of the basement with so many treasures for a kid to touch!

Small snippets of time, memories, have been comforting. Collecting dew worms in the lawn by flashlight, watching Granny ironing in the kitchen (in curlers) with dark hair, touching the reel to reel tape player and getting in trouble, again. I also remember being excited to witness her holding down Uncle Ken to 'cut that hair of his', I offered to help, but somehow it never happened, except by time and genetics. So many memories that we can never share them all, but share we will this week and thus remember Granny.

I will remind her of these when I next see her and Grandpa. I hope to show her the garden I have been working on, my latest attempt at pierogies, and my Elderberry bushes ready for her use. I also have this idea for Elderberry custard tarts she might like.

Anyways...just some of my memories to share.

Kevin

I will always remember my great granny working in her garden, she seemed to love caring for and maintaining her picturesque landscape, always happy to talk about the different types of plants that were in bloom. Although her life on earth has finished, her large family will always serve as a reminder of her legacy and we know she will be safe in God's eternal memory. We send our love from Mexico and hope that everyone enjoys remembering her life today.

The heavens have welcomed a grand lady!

Baba (Helen) has a very special place in the lives of our family and all of those who had the privilege to know her and love her. Her culinary skills, love of gardening and the game of euchre are memories we will cherish forever. Baba's greatest love was for her family and she was so proud to be their Mom, Grandma and Great Grandmother. Greig and I are thinking of the Downes Family at this sad time and are sending our love and prayers.

Cherish the beautiful memories of this wonderful lady!

With love, Greig and Shirley

Dear Family,

I am thinking of all you during these past few days. Granny was a very special person. She welcomed me into the family when I married her Grandson Kevin, and always treated me with the same warmth and love she treated all her family. I have so many fond memories of Granny. I loved her gentle and kind manner. She always was ready to smile, always happiest being with family and dear friends.

I loved her cooking especially her cabbage pierogis. I loved her gardens, and even had the pleasure of working along with her. I was always amazed at her ability to out-work me as we worked together at Vickys just up until a few years ago. As we worked together she often would talk about her childhood. What it was like to grow up on her family farm Grassie. I am so grateful to have these precious memories of Granny now. I look forward to seeing Granny again when she has her health and strength back to do all the things she loved once again.

Sending my love to the family as you gather together to remember Granny.

To my family,

It was such a privilege getting to know my great grandmother Helen, my Great Granny. Not many people know who their great grandparents are anymore, but I am so happy that I do. Even though I didn't get as many years with her as the rest of my family did, I still will have many memories of her to keep with me. She was the expert pierogi maker, and I enjoyed learning from her how to make them when I was little. She was so good at euchre, and every time I play that card game, I always think of her. I loved going to visit her. I remember most of those visits being at her home beside aunt Vicky. I know us great grandkids loved that house because of the chairlift. I'm pretty sure Granny used it mostly to send up her groceries. That image will always make me laugh. I'm so thankful for her because she brought my grandpa Ernie into the world, and together him and my grandma Rochelle brought my father, Kevin, into the world, which made it possible for me and my brothers to be born. I love our family so much, and Great Granny was the beginning of it in a sense, at least to me. Because of her I also have many other family members, like my great aunts and uncles and their children, and my aunts and uncles and their children, my cousins, who are not only family, but my best friends. I look forward to seeing Granny when she is full of youth and vigour again. Then, I will be able to see the kind of woman that she was when my dad was growing up, and even when my grandpa was being raised by her. I look forward to many more cooking lessons, and many more beautiful, contagious smiles from her as I get to know her even more than I already do. Even in her old age, whenever I would visit, she would always show us that captivating smile of hers. These past few days I have been thinking of God's promises to us, found at John 5:28, 29 - "Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out...to a resurrection". Also, Revelation 21:4 - "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away." I look forward to the time when God will bring her back to life, and she nor any of us will ever have to go through the sadness and pain of death ever again.

Sending love to you all,

Bronwyn

Hi Vicky,

Sorry to hear of your mother's passing but I am sure your memories will help get you through this difficult time.

Fondly

Ann Bassett (Audrey's sister)

Thinking of all your family at this sad time.

Vicky. So sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. She truly was a grand lady. Surely that wonderful painting in your parlour will bring a smile to your face, each time you pass. All our very best thoughts at this very challenging time.

Dave and Carolyn

Dear Auntie Vicky and family,

Sending you love and warm hugs. Baba made us all smile and she was so blessed to have you for a daughter.

With much love,

Becky, John, Emily, Claire and Carter xo

Dear Auntie Vicky and family

We are very sorry to hear of Babbas passing.

You are in our thoughts at this time.

Big hugs from all of us.

Jeff, Lori,Jack,Darcy and Colin xxxxxooooo

Dear Vicky, Karen and Family,

We are saddened by the news of our Dear friend Helen, your sweet Mom's passing.

She left us the way she wanted to go. It was always our pleasure to see her!

With our deepest sympathies and Love.

Susan & Tony Bologna

Helen was very dear to me, like a second mother, and I loved her very much. She was always so generous with her love and acceptance and we enjoyed a good laugh whenever we got together! We would tease each other mercilessly knowing we cared for each other and everything was alright. I will miss her gardening lessons and tips and her great appreciation for the gardening season and nature in general. Mostly, I will miss her lovely smile and twinkling eyes. Those are the good times I will remember...As time went on, I know she was looking forward to leaving us and, she has left us with beautiful memories of which I will cherish!

Rest in peace, dear Helen. You're finally home!

With love and appreciation to Vicky and her family, I wish you comfort and peace in the loss of your loving mother.

Pat Lovell.