Brown, Helen Margaret (McCutcheon)
Passed away peacefully with her family by her side on January 8, 2014 in her 91st year.
Beloved wife of the late Arch J.D. Brown, and adored mother of Jane Patricia Jackson. Survived
by Brother Keith (Myrle) McCutcheon of Tecumseh Pines, sisters-in-law Beth McCutcheon of
Chilliwack, Diane Brown of Ladner BC, Phyllis Brown of Newmarket and brothers-in-law Bob
( Suzanne) Brown of Lorraine PQ, and Iain (Monica) Brown of Markdale, and numerous nieces,
nephews, and grand and great-grand-nieces and nephews, as well as beloved cousins. Helen
was born on December 27, 1923 to the late T.A. (Arthur) McCutcheon and Laura Brethet, with
now-deceased siblings Bob of Chilliwack, Don (Colleen) of Schomberg, and Thelma (Ross)
Taylor of Nobleton. Helen was blessed by wonderful friends, for whom she cared deeply, from
childhood, community, church and her "Normal School" days. She was a proud farm-girl,
brought up on a dairy farm south of Schomberg, Ontario (walking the proverbial 2 miles to
school each way, every day), and attended Toronto Normal School, where she graduated to
teach at Charles G. Fraser Public School in Toronto. After marrying Arch on December 26th
1953, they lived in Nassau, Bahamas for 6 months, before returning to Toronto and lived on the
Kingsway until 1957 when they moved to Barrie and lived in Lount's Castle, where daughter
Jane was born. From Barrie was a move to Haileybury, in northern Ontario, and then another of
Arch's job changes returned them to Toronto, first Don Mills, then Rexdale. Arch's purchase of
the Canadian Tire Store brought them back to Barrie in 1963. Helen was an active member of
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church until health restricted her activities, as well as being a
volunteer with United Way, the Cancer Society, and Christian groups, Women Alive and
Christian Women's Club. Helen was a warm welcoming hostess, and her graciousness aided
Arch in his successes. She and Arch travelled the globe, and she had a keen appreciation of the
natural beauty of the world, and the various ice cream flavours she enjoyed along the way.
Many thanks to the nursing staff of RVH's Respiratory Inpatient Department, and Catherine of
Revera Home Care, and Karen of Bayshore Home Care, and also the pastoral care of Dr. Rev.
Rick Horst.
As per Helen's wishes, cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Wednesday,
January 15, 2014 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home (30 Worsley
Street). The celebration of Helen's life will take place at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church
(Owen&Worsley Streets) on Thursday, January 16, 2014 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations
to St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
Condolences may be forwarded to the family through www.steckleygooderham.com