The family of Helen Byers sadly announce her passing on the morning of February 16, 2017 at St. Joseph’s Hospice. Born to Lena (Minnikin) and William Monkhouse on October 10, 1928, Helen was the second born of four siblings. She was born in Owen Sound, Ontario and moved to Port Arthur in 1946. She was employed at the Bank of Commerce for twelve years until she married her husband Roy Byers (March 8, 1958) and started to raise a family. She was a member of Calvin Presbyterian Church and served as Elder and Clerk of Session for many years. Her home and family were her main interests.
Helen’s background was not in agriculture but after marrying Roy she jumped in with both feet to help with the family owned hobby farm along with her brother-in-law Allen Byers. Helen was always a hard worker and dedicated to family from the beginning. The farm would host sleigh rides with horses in the winter and produced fresh vegetables for friends and family throughout the year.
Helen, (known as Mama to all the grandchildren) was always supportive of everyone’s activities. Mama could be seen at every dance competition, hockey game, soccer game, graduation, or birthday party. She enjoyed going for coffee at Robin’s Donuts in Current River and to the Legion for Fish Dinners on Friday nights with her close friend Margaret Geddes. A long-time resident of Current River, Helen was known around the neighbourhood for her kind, loving, and family oriented personality.
Helen is survived by her daughter Janet (Mike) Bazdarick and son Howard (Cindy) Byers all of Thunder Bay; grandchildren Leanne (Dillon) Glasser, Danny (Samantha Penney) Bazdarick, Katie (Kevin DeGagne) Bazdarick and David Byers; three brothers: George, Bill (Sue), and Gerry (Maggie); and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents William and Lena Monkhouse; husband Roy (December 11, 1999).
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 25, 2017 in the Chapel of Harbourview Funeral Centre, 499 North Cumberland Street, presided by Rev. Ken Haggerty of Calvin Presbyterian Church. Interment in Sunset Memorial Gardens will follow the reception. Visitation will be held on Friday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Should friends so desire, donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Hospice or the charity of your choice.
