Passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 19, 2007 in her 75th year to rejoin her husband Henri. The couple met in Laverlochère P.Q., where Hélène was born and raised. They eventually settled in Sault Ste. Marie in 1952. Giving birth to and raising five children, she extended her family by opening her door to many who needed a helping hand. Hélène retired from teaching elementary school shortly after her first bout with breast cancer in 1982. Always active with a love for the great outdoors, her diverse interests included quilting, swimming and snorkelling at the YMCA, she loved to travel, line dance and do needle point. Her kindness, friendship, positive attitude and love of life were cherished by all who knew her. Loved mother of Jack (Lynda) of Beaumont, Alberta, Robert (Penny), Charles (Patt) both of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Lina Bylsma (Jack) and Daniel (Janet) both of Ottawa, Ontario. Proud grandmother of Dylan (Jane), Maggie Fleming (Dave), Dayna (Tony), Travis, Céline, Amanda, Jillian, Nathan and the late Martin. Loving great-grandmother of Alec, Kieran, MacKenzie, Lydia, and Ethan. Beloved sister of Marcel (Antoinette), Suzanne Trudel (late Eugène), Marthe Pagé (Léon), Roger (Mariette), Brigitte Beaumier (late Arthur), Lucille Bergeron (Philippe), Gilles Melançon and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents Alphonse and Marie Anne Melançon, also Aimée (Marie Laure), Cécile Pellerin (late Léo-Paul), Aline Mercier (late Raymond). Relatives and friends may call at the Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 from 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm. Funeral mass will be celebrated from Paroisse Sainte-Marie-du-Sault at 3:00 pm. Rev. Norman Fortier officiating. Special thanks to Doctor Walde and the 4th floor staff of the Plummer Hospital for their compassionate care and friendship. Memorial contributions to the SAH Cancer Care Fund would be appreciated by the family.
