It is with profound sadness that the family of Mary Lee Helm, 84, of Mahone Bay, announces her passing on Monday, July 28, 2025, at South Shore Regional Hospital, Bridgewater.

Born in Wallasey, England, Mary was the cherished daughter of the late Arthur and Mary (Haddow) Foster.

Mary’s life was a testament to passion and adventure. A talented prima ballerina in the UK, she continued her dedication to dance into her early twenties after emigrating to Canada at the age of 18. Her journey led her to Montreal, then to Winnipeg, Manitoba, where she met and married the love of her life, Glenn William Helm. Together, they raised three children and built a life on a farm.

Always seeking new horizons, Mary and Glenn moved to Ontario, where Mary pursued her passion for horticulture, earning her degree from Guelph University. They spent most of their children’s school years there before their adventurous spirit called them to British Columbia. Following Glenn’s passing in 2010, Mary made the heartfelt decision to follow her eldest daughter to Nova Scotia, where she happily spent the remainder of her life.

Mary is survived by her loving children: son, Christopher Helm, and daughters, Ilona Helm and Jane Helm.

Besides her parents, Mary was predeceased by her beloved husband, Glenn William Helm; her brother, Donald Foster; and her sister, Valerie Brock.

We will be holding a small ceremony on the beach across from 836 Main st. Mahone Bay August 15 @ 7:30pm. I was not aware of the people she touched here and was not planning to do anything, but people have reached out and need to say their goodbyes.There will be a prayer by Brooklyn Lane via phone and two soloists singing mom’s favourite Leonard Cohen song Hallelujah. We only ask you bring a flower of any kind with you as well as a little beverage of your choice. If you can’t make it or wish to remember my mom in the privacy of your garden if you were lucky to have her work in there, then please do that as well. This will not be long as my mom did not like long drawn out ceremonies of any kind. No fuss no muss. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Personal Care Cremations.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation in Mary’s memory.

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SERVICES & GATHERINGS

Celebration of Life

Mahone Bay Beach

August 15, 2025 7:30 pm

836 Main St. Mahone Bay, NS

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Service Note

We will be holding a small ceremony on the beach across from 836 Main st. Mahone Bay August 15 @ 7:30pm. I was not aware of the people she touched here and was not planning to do anything, but people have reached out and need to say their goodbyes.There will be a prayer by Brooklyn Lane via phone and two soloists singing mom’s favourite Leonard Cohen song Hallelujah. We only ask you bring a flower of any kind with you as well as a little beverage of your choice. If you can’t make it or wish to remember my mom in the privacy of your garden if you were lucky to have her work in there, then please do that as well. This will not be long as my mom did not like long drawn out ceremonies of any kind. No fuss no muss