Fennell, Helen Ella (Nee Zillman)
Passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 15, 2021 at the Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital - Orillia in her 93rdyear. Predeceased by Don, her loving husband of 43 years (2012).
Loving sister of Walter Zillman (Brenda), Richard Zillman, Rodney Zillman (Anna) and sister-in-law of Mary Zillman. Cherished aunt of Susan Cahoon (Don), Ellen Eldershaw, Leslie Zillman (Brian), Gillian Woolner, Shirley Bilcowski (Rob), Sheila Templeton (Matt), Susan Swanson (John), Martin Zillman (Margaret), Russell Zillman (Jo), Zachary Zillman, Mark Woolner, Rick Zillman (Connie), Paul Zillman (Corinne) and Rob Fennell (Ann). Helen also leaves behind many caring friends and extended family in Canada, USA and Germany. Helen is predeceased by her parents Paul and Ella Zillman, sister Marion Woolner, brothers Donald and Gary Zillman and her in-laws Ken Woolner, Robert James (Jim) and Fern Fennell, and Rilla Zillman.
Helen spent the majority of her working life in Toronto as a Legal Secretary. She married Don in 1969 and enjoyed Toronto life until they moved to their chalet in Everett before finally settling in Barrie. Helen also volunteered for many years to help seniors prepare their income tax returns.
Helen was a force of nature and loved to travel during her active years. She was kind, opinionated, smart, stubborn, pragmatic, tenacious and deeply caring to those she loved. These qualities served her well later in life to overcome many disabling falls and strokes.
Helen greatly appreciated the volunteers and services offered by CNIB Barrie, especially the social outings to theatres and strolls along the waterfront. The family would like to take this time to say thank you to the amazing staff of Whispering Pines Retirement Home and Victoria Village (Pat and Chris) for their caring support of Helen. A very special thank you and appreciation to her friend Vicky Dvorak who provided caring companionship and support in Helen’s final years. Arrangements entrusted to Steckley – Gooderham Funeral Home – 30 Worsley Street, Barrie, Ontario. A private family graveside service is being held on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at the Prospect Cemetery in Toronto. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) are appreciated as expressions of sympathy. Online condolences and memories may be left at www.steckleygooderham.com