It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Helen Giesen at her home of Springhaven, the paradise that she created with Jerry, her husband of 53 years, on Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at the age of 76. Also by her side were children Richard Giesen and Catherine Murphy, Krista and Hugh Dietrich, Karln Giesen and Mike Neale, and Kelly and Mark Von Eschen. Already missing their Grandma’s unconditional love and generosity are Max and Cooper; Eric and Katy, Grant and Devin, and Jake; Owen, Jackson and Hayden; Jonas and Clare. Helen will be dearly remembered by twin sister Mary and Herb Versteegh, sister Theresa and John Goris, brothers John and Sandy Damen, and Bill and Debbie Damen and by her large, extended family of in-laws and nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents Arnold and Maria Damen, and brother Jerry Damen. Helen faced her brief illness with the quiet grace and dignity with which she lived her life; she was a model of strength and caring for all who had the pleasure of her friendship.
Visitation and a celebration of Helen’s life at Haskett Funeral Home, 223 Main St., Lucan on Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 PM. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Patrick Church, 32922 Richmond Street, Lucan on Monday, June 5th at 11 AM. Cremation has taken place and private graveside service will be held at a later date.
In her memory, plant a flower, say a gentle word, do a thoughtful deed … in these acts of kindness, Helen will continue to live in all of us.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Tony Van Kempen
After returning home from our trip to the Netherlands we received the sad news of Helen’s passing.
We offer our sincere condolences to Jerry and his extended family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you
at this difficult time.
Sincerely.
Annette and Tony Van Kempen.
Helen Neale
Dear Jerry.
Such a sad time for you to lose your very special life partner. It was a wonderful time we spent with you and Helen in NZ at Christmas and New Year. I enjoyed our talks about your life in Denfield and Florida and the photos you shared with us. Your company was a treasured time which I will always remember. With love and sympathy to you and your family.
Helen Neale
Chico & Colleen Ouellette
My dearest Jerry
We just heard today of Helen’s passing and Chico and I are so very, very sorry for your loss. Helen was always such a beautiful lady…..a gentle smile and a kind word anytime you encountered her. She will surely be missed in SanLan but it warms the heart to know she has gone to be with others who went before her.
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Love
Chico & Colleen
Kerrie Jenken
We are so sorry to hear of your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Kerrie and Todd Jenken
Diane Elston
To all of Helen’s family,
We were very sorry to hear of your loss of Helen, she was such a sweet lady. She will be missed by so many. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May the memories you have of her help you through these difficult days.
Diane Elston and Charles Pickel
Tim Ryan
Krista , Hugh, the entire Giesen Family
I am sorry we could not personally show our respects to your mother, grandmother and Jerry your wife,
Keep your memories close and show them off with a smile ,
God Bless
Tim, Chris , Jacqueline Ryan
Fred and Aileen Knip
Krista and Hugh and family
Krista and Hugh and family our condolences in the loss of your mother., mother in law and grandmother. Wishing you lots of support during this difficult time.
Sid & Joan Price
We are very sorry to hear of Helen’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families…..I am sure that you will have many precious memories of times spent together and that they will be even more precious at this time. Helen always had such a calm demeanour about her and her lovely smile, she will be missed. Sid & Joan Price
Jim & Kathy Verhoeven
Dear Jerry and Family…So sorry to hear of Helen’s passing. Heaven has gained another sweet angel. We are going to miss Helen at our Sanlan happy hours. May she rest in peace.
John & Arlene Berendsen
SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS…..THINKING OF ALL OF YOU….JOHN & ARLENE BERENDSEN
Tom and Mary Ann McLaughlin
We were saddened to hear of the passing of your beloved Helen. Know that the Giesen and Damen families are in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
Tom and Mary Ann McLaughlin
Kelly Dyer
Krista, Hugh and family, Kelly please accept my sincerest condolences on the loss of your mother. My thoughts are with you at this time.
Kelly and Ron Dyer
Lynda Rinkenbach and family
Richard and family,
Our warmest thoughts during this difficult time. Helen was a wonderful woman, so thoughtful and kind. She will be dearly missed. Thank you for letting us share in your “miracle”. All the best to Jerry. May he find strength in his family.
Love you.
Lynda, Stuart, Dylan and Megan.
Deborah Cavalheiro
Kelly and family,
My sincerest condolecences on your loss. You are in my prayers.
With my most heart-felt sympathy,
Deborah Cavalheiro
Christine degroot
Jerry and family, it was so hard to hear Helen lost her battle with cancer. I remember her soft spoken voice and how she always was such a great listener and friend. She will be missed and always remembered.
Jerry, l know in my heart Tony and Helen will find each other in heaven.
Christine
Al and Rita Santing
Dear Jerry and family,
We were so sorry and sad to hear of Helen’s passing. At this difficult time we will pray for strenght for all of you. Helen was a beautiful person inside and out who loved her family and you can hold onto all the beautiful memories you have of her.
Thinking of you all.
Al and Rita santing,
Sanlan.
Sandra and Martin DeBoer
So sorry to hear of Helen’s passing. We will miss her smile,she was always a happy friendly lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jerry and their family.
Heaven is a little brighter now when Helen’s presence.
Sandra and Martin DeBoer
Mary and Doug Lee and family
To Jerry and family and the Damen family, our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. We shall cherish the many happy memories of Helen.
Jo Anne Clarke
Jerry and Family and All The Damen Family :
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time. We are so sorry for your loss .
We will be out of town Sunday to Tuesday and will not be able to attend the visitation but we will be thinking of you all.
Sincerely Martin & Jo Anne Clarke
Ruth Cook
Krista, Hugh, Eric, Grant and Jake –
Sorry to hear about the loss of your Mother. Hold tight to your many happy memories – they will help you in the days to come.
You’re in my thoughts and prayers –
Sincerely,
Ruth
George and Lynda Cifa & family
Dear Jerry, Richard, Krista, Karin & Kelly and Families….
We were so shocked and saddened to hear of Helen’s passing. We have such fond memories of all our neighbourhood parties in the good old days and our little chats at church. Helen was a kind and lovely lady and always had such insightful thoughts to share. She will be greatly missed. With our deepest sympathy….George and Lynda Cifa & Family
Sheila & Mick Bright
So very sorry to hear of Helen’s passing. We are thinking of you & the family at this sad time.
Sheila & Mick
Toni denOtter
I was shocked to hear of Helen’s brief illness and death. She is my Sister-in-law’s Sister-in-law. I feel grateful I had a visit with her a short while ago. I send my heartfelt condolences to all the family and know she will be sadly missed.
Jerry Lucette George
Jerry and all the family, cherish all the memories. We will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers. Helen was a wonderful lady we will miss her.
Donna Mitchell
So many memories from so long ago — I’m very sad for loss !May loving memories bring you peace !
Armand and Anita Rickert
Our deepest sympathy to you Jerry and your family in the loss of your wife Helen. We remember her smiles and warm welcome when we used to come to your place to stay in the cabin for New Years.
She was a real treasure! Heaven has gained another angel.
May she rest in peace.
The Webbs
Dear Krista, Hugh, our cousins and the Giesen family,
We are very saddened to hear about the passing of Helen. We will always remember Helen’s warmth and kindness towards us. Please know that our thoughts are with you.
Lots of love to you all,
Laura and Danny Webb & kids
Brian & Laura Woolley
Condolences to Krista , Hugh and family from the Woolley’s. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sadness but we trust there are many, many great memories to cherish.
Ray and Lauren Cook
Richard and Krista,
Sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Sophia, Nigel, Allison, Bronwyn and Kiara
Uncle Jerry, Richard and Catherine, Krista and Hugh, Karin and Mike, Kelly and Mark and family,
We are deeply saddened at the loss of a life that touched so many. Aunt Helen will be remembered for her gentle warmth, broad smile and open arms. We send you all lots of love.
Sophia, Nigel, Allison, Bronwyn and Kiara
Michelle&Brian Schon
Krista, Hugh &family. So sorry to hear of your mother’s passing.Our condolences.
Jane
Krista, Hugh, Eric, Grant and Jake. My heart goes out to you. Such a lovely woman in body and spirit. Prayers and thoughts are with you
Jane, Madison, Dawson and Carter
Lyle & Carol Beatson
Jerry – We had just heard last Sunday that Helen wasn’t well. Our sympathy to you and your family.
Your neighbours
Lyle & Carol Beatson
Linda Mills
Dear Krista and Hugh, Eric, Grant and Jake. Sending my sincerest sympathy in the loss of your Mom and Grandma. Hold your memories close to your heart. Thinking of all of you during this very sad time. ((Hugs)) xo Linda Mills
Marie and Hans Ewald
Dear Jerry and all the family We were so sorry to hear about Helens death .Such a lovely lady always kind and pleasant .You will all miss her so much.Cherish all the memories Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers .Marie and Hans Ewald
John & Mary Jansen
We would like to express our condolences to Jerry and his family at this difficult time. Helen was such a happy, smiling, classy lady that will really be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Shannon Ward
Kelly, Mark, Jonas, Claire, Jerry and family.
We are so very sorry for your loss. I have such fond memories of your Mom/Oma/Wife Helen having stayed at your farm during our university years, and of course her visits to Montreal to check up on you (and us!) Kel. I will remember her as a warm, loving, welcoming and strong woman.
Planted some flowers late last night under the warmth of the midnight sun in Helen’s honour.
Warmth, love and light to you all during this tough time.
Shannon, Jeroen, Rudi and Nina
Jacinthe Murphy
To the Giesen family,
Helen was a very special woman who blessed us all with her kindness and warmth. I am truly sorry to hear of her quick passing, but I know her caring and compassionate personality lives on in each one of you.
I am keeping you all in my thoughts.
Jacinthe
Joan Robson
Thinking of you today.Remember the good times.
Joan Robson and Ralph Needham
Stacey Rosser & Jeff Moir
Krista, Hugh and family- Thinking of you and wishing you many moments of peace and comfort as you go through this difficult time.
RAY AND YVONNE DE LANGE
DEAR JERRY AND FAMILY: WE ARE SO SADDENED WITH THE PASSING OF HELEN, SHE SURE WILL BE MISSED AS OUR NEIGHBOR IN SANLAN , WILL MISS THE SMELL OF HER BREADS SHE MADE ON A REGULAR BASIS, OUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS GO OUT TO ALL THE FAMILY.
LOVE RAY AND YVONNE DE LANGE
Helen and Jerry Vanderydt
So sorry to hear of Helen’s death Our thought and prayers are with you all From the other Helen and Jerry Ridgetown
Albert & Janice Moddejonge
Jerry and family
So saddened to hear of Helen’s passing. Our thoughts and prayer are with you all. We will miss her loving ways and kindness she always showed to all.
Albert & Janice Moddejonge
Lloyd and Joan Millson
Jerry and family we want to express our deepest sympathy on the loss of your wife and mother. There was never a time that we saw Helen that she wasn’t smiling. She was a happy, happy lady who was loved and admired by all. She will be missed, but always…remembered.
We feel privileged to have known her. May she rest in peace.
The Herringtons
Eric, Grant and Family, So sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Keep your warm memories close to your heart. I am planting a few trees today back around by the pond today so one will definitely be in your grandmother’s memory!!! Thinking of you! Lee and Leanne, Alli and Josh, Mary and Ernie Herrington
Andrew Westelaken
Jerry,
We are so sad for your loss. I will always remember stopping by unexpectedly on Boxing Day, just because we were in the area, your wonderful wife had never met my wife, and of course you both welcomed us in and you fed us without notice or invite. That’s the great people you are. Please know you are in our thoughts. See you soon.
Andrew & Deb Westelaken
Bill & Joyce Garrett, Erica, Ethan & Brodee
Deepest sympathy.
Sending love and prayers at this difficult time.
Cherish the memories.
Gone but not forgotten.
Bev Dayman
Krista, Hugh, Eric, Jake, Grant and Devin
So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.
Bev and Shawn Dayman
Judy Vermue
Jerry and Family,
So saddened to hear of Helen’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all your Family.
Tom and Judy Vermue
Henk and Rickie Peeters
Jerry and family – so very sorry to hear about the loss of a great lady. Helen was one of the kindest and sweetest people we knew. We can still see her dancing in mid afternoon after our tour of the winery on our river cruise, one of the best holidays we ever experienced and a great memory of good times spent together. She will be missed by many.
Hugs of warmth and strength
Henk and Rickie Peeters
Roy and Penny Hall
Eric, Krista, Hugh and family
So very sad to hear this news. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Tom Dobinson
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this difficult time .
Tom and Deb Dobinson
Rikie Nooyen
Our deepest sympathy to Jerry & family . We will miss Helen & our happy hours in Florida will not be so happy without Helen. She will be missed by all the sanlan family. Ollie Manning & Rikie Nooyen.
Mari Ducharme
Uncle Jerry, Richard, Krista, Karen, Kelly and the rest of the families;
We will honour your wishes and plants some bright flowers to remember Aunt Helen, we will continue to keep everyone in our prayers.
Love
Mari, Stephen Ducharme
Angela Clarke, Mary & James Black
Jerry & Family: Mary and I were very, very sorry to read of Helen’s death yesterday. Please be assured of many prayers and when I get home from the States in a week or so I will come to see you, Jerry. I’m sure Patrick was one of the many at the gates of heaven to greet her. May she rest in peace.
Carla and Craig Butler
To Jerry and family,
We’re deeply saddened to hear of your recent loss.
May you be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you and your memories of a beautiful wife, mother and friend.
Love and prayers, Carla, Craig, Logan and Joshua
Joan and Dave Goddard
Krista, Hugh, John and Sandy and families
Deepest sympathy to you and your families in the lost of your mother, grandmother and sister. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad and difficult time.
Valerie Rosser
To her husband Jerry, to Krista and Hugh, Eric, Grant and Jake, and to the rest of Helen’s family and friends,
Our sincerest condolences on the passing of your beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend. We will always remember her for her grace, kindness and generosity. May you find strength in each other and peace in knowing that she leaves behind wonderful memories for those she encountered.
Darryl and Valerie Rosser
Tony and Carole Damen and family
So sad to hear of Helen’s death . Our sincere condolences , our thoughts and prayers are with all of your families. Tony and Carole Damen and family
Tanya Schoenroth
Jerry, Richard, Krista, Karin & Kelly ~ I am so sad & sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of times spent in your home and how warmly I was always welcomed there. I am thinking of you now and remembering Helen’s kind and generous spirit.
Tanya (Hodgson) Schoenroth
Linda Loyens
Jerry and family
So sorry to hear about Helen. My thoughts are with you. All of your wonderful memories will get you through this difficult time.
Linda Loyens
Walli & Paul Meyer
Jerry & Family
I am sure you will all miss her. The few times we met her she was always so warm and friendly. So sorry for your loss!
Paul & Walli Meyer
Sue and Kyle
Krista, Hugh and family – so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayer are with you. Sue and Kyle Gysemans
Nancy Loeters
Gerry, Richard, Krista, Karin and Kelly, my heartfelt condolences to you and your families. I was saddened to hear of Helen’s illness and now her passing. There are never adequate words during such sad times, but my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Henry Giesen
Uncle Jerry, Richard, Krista, Karin, Kelly and families.
I am so, so sorry to hear about Aunt Helen and I’m sorry I could not convey my condolences in person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sorrowful time.
Henry, Yoriko, Amy & Julie
Jane Steacy
To the Giesen Family:
My sincere condolences on the loss of your Mother, Wife, and Best Friend. You are all – and have been — in my prayers: my heart aches for your loss. I will always remember Helen as a loving and caring “gentle soul” who always had a smile to help brighten one’s day.
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief, and may your many memories of good times and laughter help to sustain you at this most difficult time.
“Tears are God’s gift to us. Our holy water. They heal us as they flow.” Rita Schiano
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and may she rest in peace.
John and Nancy Martin
We’re so sorry to hear of your loss Jerrey. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during these very sad times.
John and Nancy Martin
Susanne and Alan O'Connor
Hello all my beautiful cousins and Uncle Jerry of course :) So many memories….especially life long ago. Alan always has a huge belly laugh when he thinks of the time you had Dan’s stag at your place at SpringHaven…and he describes in detail seeing Aunt Helen in complete laughter watching some of the events from the bedroom window (Dan Brintnell, I believe you had something to do with this :) It is a memory etched in his mind forever and one he thinks fondly of when he thinks about Aunt Helen. As for me, I am so grateful to have had such a beautiful woman, inside and out, in our family. She will be missed….but those in heaven are truly rejoicing at her arrival!! Love you all. xoxo Susanne and Alan and family
Lisa and Alberto Estrada and family
We are so sorry to hear of your loss of a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. Helen was such a kind lady that I always remember with a smile on her face. Find comfort in your memories at this difficult time. Thinking of you all.
Nathalie Beauvais
We are sorry to hear about your loss but glad to hear about a wonderful life. Our thoughts are with you because of Richard, Catherine, Maxime and Cooper, we care deeply about your family.
Kindest regards,
Maxime, Charlotte, Eva and Nathalie
Dan Brintnell
Richard, Krista, Karin , Kelly Please accept our sincere condolences. To think of all the years of joy, laughter, support and love that your Mom shared with you, Jerry and all that she knew. She was truly an amazing woman. Always a smile and a meal … even for trouble makers like me. Your Mom, my Mom …. they are not gone; just with us in different ways.
Lotsa Love
Dan & Deb Brintnell
Maria Van Sas-Davis
Uncle Jerry & cousins,, I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of Aunt Helen. She was such a sweet and amazing lady. Sending y’all my deepest sympathy and heart felt prayers. God Bless
Dianne Dietrich
Krista, Hugh and family
Sorry to hear about your mom. Our thoughts and prayers.
Bill and Dianne Dietrich
Charlotte & Bob Traher
With great sadness we have heard of the loss of a wonderful lady to the lives of Jerry Giesen and all of their family.
Our thoughts and prayers will be with you all at this time of profound sadness.
Kindest regards
Charlotte & Bob Traher