Obituary of Helen Graham

HELEN CLAIRE GRAHAM December 16, 1915 - May 27, 2014 Peacefully at Belmont House, Helen passed away surrounded by the love of her family and devoted caregivers. Predeceased by her darling beloved husband of 62 years, Dr. Allan Frederic Graham. Loving mother to Shari Fell (Tony) and Annabel Graham. Dear "Nini" to Annabelle Fell, Graham Fell and Geoffrey Fell (Martha) and Caitlin Forrest (Suki). Great-grandmother to Jacqueline and Sophie Fell. Born in St. John, New Brunswick December 16, 1915. Predeceased by her parents Robert and Edith Hawker, her sister Joy Foster (Clive) and her brother Don Hawker (Shirley). Also predeceased by her first husband Flt. Lt. Frederick Lord, a Commander of the Bluenose Squadron, in 1943. Helen lived an engaged and passionate life. She undertook everything she did with great energy and enthusiasm. She was a wonderful cook and elegant hostess, particularly known for her weekend country parties and New Year's Eve dinners at Hawksprings Farm. Her natural artistic talents were evident in all her surroundings. She was a gifted interior designer and had great knowledge of the decorative arts, particularly porcelain and silver, for which she had boundless enthusiasm and interest. Helen also loved nature. Her winters with Allan at the farm, and summers at Goodcheer Island in Georgian Bay, were always a great source of pleasure and fun. She was a dedicated volunteer for over 40 years at Goodwill Industries where she was the driving force behind the highly successful spring antique sale. She was also a member of the TSO Women's Group and the Women's Art Association. Helen will always be remembered for her joie de vivre, her great beauty and generous spirit. We will miss you Mum. We will always love you. The family would like to thank the staff at Belmont House for their loving care and compassion, particularly during her last days. A very special expression of gratitude to Mum's devoted caregivers over the past 10 years, Ioana and Zwede, and more recently, Vicky. They brought joy beyond measure to her final years and the family will always be deeply grateful to them. A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 30 at 11:00 a.m. in CHRIST CHURCH DEER PARK, 1570 Yonge Street, followed by a reception at the York Club. If desired, and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Goodwill Industries, 350 Progress Avenue, Scarborough M1P 2Z4 in memory of Helen Graham or The Belmont House Foundation, 55 Belmont Street, Toronto M5R 1R1. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.