Helen-Joy McGee (nee Gogan): It is with immense sadness that we share the news of the unexpected death of Helen-Joy McGee of Barrie, at the age of 80 years, on November 19th 2022 in Ottawa, Ontario. Helen-Joy was predeceased by her beloved husband John of 59 years, on May 23rd, 2022. Helen-Joy was much loved by her three children (Beverley, Edward, and Patrick[Shayne]) her four grand-children (Adam McGee, Jacqueline McGee, Rebecca McGee Woods, Colin McGee Woods), and her sister, Lorraine [John].
Helen-Joy was born August 20th 1942 to James (Jim) and Phyllis-Joy in Shimla India. Helen-Joy, along with her family later resided in Glasgow, Scotland before moving to Canada. Helen-Joy is predeceased by her brother Alistair.
Helen Joy McGee met her husband John Stewart McGee in 1958 at a Scouting and Guiding camp and married May 18th 1963.
Helen-Joy had two careers in her life, starting out as a travelling nurse for the Canadian Red Cross working throughout northern Ontario at a time when roads and amenities were sparse. Her passion for the English language later led her to a career in teaching English as a second language (ESL) to immigrants, refugees and international students, teaching at Fanshawe College and the University of Western Ontario.
Helen-Joy was also extensively involved in the Girl Guides of Canada as a Girl Guide herself in the 50’s to a leader throughout most of her adult life in Burlington and London Ontario.
Helen-Joy was a long-time cottager at Horseshoe lake near Parry Sound Ontario and was known to many for her involvement with the local cottage association. When Helen-Joy and John moved to Barrie in the early 1990s, Helen-Joy joined Newcomers’ Club and became active in many groups, including book club, walking and snowshoe groups (Snow Bunnies), where she made many long-lasting friendships.
Helen-Joy was many things to many people through her years of teaching and volunteering but there was nothing more important to her than her family. She and John valued hard work and integrity and raised their children to be passionate about what they do and what they believe in.
The family expresses heartfelt appreciation for the compassionate care provided by the medical team (neurology) at the Ottawa Civic Hospital and for the warm welcome by the staff and residents at Amica Westboro Park, where she had recently settled.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home, 30 Worsley St., Barrie on Saturday, December 3rd, 2022 from 2-4 pm inside the Lower Lounge. A time for Words of Remembrance will begin at 2:30 pm.
If wished, donations can be made to: Doctors Without Borders or the Barrie Food Bank. Donations in lieu of flowers are strongly encouraged. Online condolences and memories may be left at www.steckleygooderham.com