Obituary of Helen Margaret Hooper

Helen Margaret Hooper (Wilson) formerly of Dresden passed away peacefully at Albany Retirement Village, Petrolia with her family by her side on Thursday, January 7, 2021 at the age of 95.  Beloved wife of the late Vaughn (Tic) Hooper (2015). Born in Wabash, daughter of the late T. Morley and Mabel (Walker) Wilson. Loving mother of Catherine Shaw of Petrolia, Proud grandmother of granddaughters Jessica Shaw (John Teskey) of Petrolia, Erin Jamieson (Matthew) of Kitchener and great-grandchildren Vaughn, Greta and Charlotte Jamieson, chosen Grandma to family friends Joel, Eva, Tyler and Hannah Field. Helen was the eldest of five children. Predeceased by Gerald Wilson (Dorothy 1997) .  Survived by Mildred Huffman (Jack 2018), Bert Wilson (Lenora 2007) and Mary Ellen Harrison (Merrill 2006). Missed by 19 nieces, nephews and their families.

In the past few days we have heard her described as a gentle, kind, caring, sweetheart (by an Albany staff member), generous, hardworking, proud of her family and many more. If there was a job that needed to be done, she was quietly going about it behind the scenes many times. She loved Jesus deeply and lived a life of faith, with the understanding that a relationship with Jesus was the foundation of who she was. She was a member of North Dresden Baptist Church, Mission Circle and Ladies Aid for many years. In their retirement Tic and Helen volunteered with Meals on Wheels for 21 years. Helen enjoyed attending lunches with fellow retirees of the Canadian Canners where they both worked. Her love of baking and sharing her treats with family and friends was always welcome.  Her “Grandma jam” and “Grandma icing” which covered many family birthday cakes were favourites. She was a proud, hands-on Grandma who attended many ball games, swimming lessons, piano recitals, school and church events. As a Great-grandma she was so very proud of her three great-grandchildren and shared a birthday with Greta and attended as many special events with them as her health would allow.

Thank you to her family and friends who showered her with cards, flowers, treats and phone calls after her move to Petrolia. They brightened her day. A special thank you to Wayne, Barb and John Chapple her neighbours. With their help Helen was able to stay in her home longer. Our sincerest thank you to Dr. Li and the staff of Albany Retirement Village in Petrolia for your outstanding care and kindness.

A private family service will be held with interment in Dresden Cemetery. Those wishing to leave an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto in thanks for all the care they provide her great-granddaughter Charlotte or Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation, Chatham. Arrangements are entrusted to the Badder Funeral Home & Reception Centre, Dresden.