Helen Adelaide (nee Johnston) MacLean passed peacefully at Mitchell Nursing Home on August 3, 2021at the age of 89. Beloved wife of the late Grant MacLean (1994). Dear sister of Doris McKinley, the late Leona Armstrong, and the late Joan (Dwight) Campbell. Predeceased by parents Leila (Lawson)and Harvey Johnston and special companion Robert “Bob” Jewell. Survived by brothers-in-law Jim Armstrong, and Berne McKinley. Helen was the treasured aunt of several nieces and nephews. She was loved and will be missed by many family and friends.
Helen’s enthusiasm, faith, and willingness to serve were an example for all who knew her. She enjoyed her many years of working at Anstett Jewellers in Clinton and Exeter. Helens joy for life was evident in her volunteer capacity as “Knobby” the clown. The hundreds of finger puppets she made brought joy to many children around the world. Helen led a full life and will be remembered for her positive outlook, no matter situation.
A private family funeral service will be held at Haskett Funeral Homes, Exeter on Friday, August 6th at 11 AM. Interment Exeter Cemetery. Though the service is private, the family invites you to join with them from the comfort of your home. Stream the service live or at your convenience by visiting www.facebook.com/haskettfh.
Donations to Crohn’s and Colitis Canada, Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
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).
sheila prescott
My sincere sympathy to all of Helen’s family. She will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
xxoo Sheila Prescott and family
Ross and Bunny Peacock
Our deepest sympathy to all of Helen’s family on her loss.
Ross and Bunny Peacock and family
Pat Matheson
Sharing in your sadness , Helen was a true LADY.
Those we hold most dear, never truly leave us.
They live in the kindness they showed, the comfort they shared and the love and laughter they brought into our lives.
Helen touched many lives and will be missed.
Bob nd Peggy Rann
Our condolences to Helen’s family. We knew Helen to be a grand lady, so friendly and cheerful.
Bob and Peggy Rann
Alison Connolly
My condolences to Helen’s family. Although I only worked with Helen for a short time at Anstett Jewellers’s, the memories of her infectious laugh, upbeat personality and her friendship in later years will last forever. ❤️
Shirley & Ross Carter
Just saw the passing of Helen. My sympathy to you Doris and Berne. Helen was always such a delight and pleasure to see as she worked at Anstett ‘s store in Clinton. What a treasure to be greatly missed.
Shirley & Ross Carter
Pat Anstett
So sorry to hear the news. Helen will always be remembered for her infectious smile and twinkling eyes. She was a loyal employee for Anstett’s and was often referred to as Mrs. Anstett! My Dad had tremendous respect for Helen. Her memories will be cherished and not forgotten. Sincere Condolences. Pat Anstett & family.
Mary Lou and Ron Henry
Doris, Berne and family,
Sending our deepest sympathy on the loss of your sister, Doris.
Our thoughts are with you.
Cathy Anstett
Helen was a true inspiration, I so enjoyed her great enthusiasm and passion for serving and how her smile would light up the room. Helen contributed so much to all who knew her and we shared many fun moments and laughter in the years we spent together in the store, her dedication was so beautiful.
Thank You Helen, I am sure you and Dad will be teamed up somewhere in heaven to bring loads of smiles and joy to all.
Sincere condolences to All of the Family.
Mary Ann Cruickshank
I just met Helen a couple of years ago at Harbour Hill in Goderich. She clearly was a lovely woman who always made everyone smile. She found great pleasure in life. Leanne, you were very good to your aunt and she greatly appreciated everything you did for her. My condolences to you and all of Helen’s family. May she rest peacefully.
Peter Anstett
To Helen’s family.
Helen was a wonderful woman, and meant alot to me as well as my father John Anstett. She was a loyal and excellent employee at Anstetts. I remember many times as a child I would come in and she would put me to work. Always having patience with me as I was very active child with ADHD. She was a wonderful person, and will always be in my heart forever. Rest assured she left lasting fond memories in my life. Rest well Helen.
Bob and Helen Coates
Our sincere sympathy to all of Helen’s family. We have wonderful memories of a sweet and happy lady. She always was so positive and a pleasure to be with. It was a privilege for us to be friends of Helen and Grant and enjoy so many fun times with them with plenty of laughter. Our trip to Las Vegas with them was full of joy. We have those lovely memories we know all of you will have your own great memories to comfort you. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Marg Prout
Sincere condolences to Helen’s family and her friends. Helen was such a beautiful and
kind lady, always a smile and she had such a cute little giggle. I well remember Grant as he
worked at the canners with my husband. I knew Helen from her working at Anstett’s both
in Clinton and then Exeter. May all your memories you cherish give you peace and comfort,
now and in the days to come.
Isabelle Moore
John and I enjoyed Helen and Grant. Grant as a great friend when Ruth and I were growing up. Helen and her wonderful smile and giggle. Our sympathy to her family.
John and Isabelle Moore
Brian and Terri MacLean
Helen brought joy to so many of her relatives. We enjoyed our visits with Aunt Helen. She was always thinking of others, We will miss her notes .
Jerry & Linda Traquair & family
Condolences to Helen’s family and friends. We knew her to be a great neighbour and church family member…just one of those fine folks who made a difference.
Marie & Neil McGavin
To all of Helen’s family and friends: We send our sincere sympathy to everyone. Helen always had a smile accompanied by her little giggle – she always made folks feel welcome. She and Grant were such pillars of their community and both have left wonderful memories.
Marie (Johnston) and Neil McGavin
Joan Cardiff
Growing up I remember many fun times and always laughter with “Gramper and Grant-Helen”. Helen was a bright star for so many people and her positive outlook always made things better. Mom and Dad often talked about the various antics with the “gang”, including Bible Study at a winery. My thoughts are with the family at this sad time. Helen was a great lady and and I always enjoyed our visits.
Sincerely,
Joan Cardiff
Garry & Janice Alderdice
To Doris, Leanne & families and the MacLean family.
Our deepest sympathies in the loss of your dear Helen. Our family has many fond memories of Helen and Grant over the years. They were truly a special couple. We are proud to be the next caretakers of the MacLean farm and to call it home.
Helen’s lovely smile and that chuckle will long be remembered. Rest well dear lady.
Garry & Janice Alderdice and family
Carol LeBeau
Doris, Berne and family
My sympathy to you on the loss of Helen. She was a lovely lady and will be missed by all who knew her.
There will now be a deep void in your life, Doris, as you carry on without your three sisters, but you will be happy that you had your trips together and you will be able to treasure the closeness that you four girls shared. I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Carol LeBeau
Doreen Raymond
“What an amazing person and what a remarkable life. We feel so lucky that we had Helen in our lives. It very comforting now to have all of our good memories in our hearts. Bob and Doreen Raymond
ken and marg caldwell
Doris and Bern – Sympathy is the loss of your sister Helen. Clinton United has many memories of your family when you were organist. Also your mother was one of our longtime quilters who met on Thursday afternoons. Know that we are thinking of you in this time of loss but many memories will remain with us. Respectfully, Ken and Marg
Terry and Colleen Lang
To the Maclean Family;
Have not seen Helen in quite some time, but always regarded her and Grant as the best! Our wedding rings have a little extra sparkle thanks to her. May she rest in peace!
Terry and Colleen Lang
Marlene &Murray Forbes
Nice memories of Helen
Thinking of you Doris
Helen Harrigan
Dear Doris and family, Becky told me of your sister’s passing. I know Helen will be missed by her family and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with you. With affection, Helen Harrigan
Jim Chapman
My sincere sympathy to Helen’s family. My association with Helen goes back to high school days, junior farmers and , of course, to the times that the MacLeans and the Chapmans spent together – good memories !!
Kathryn Yungblut
Helen was a lovely lady and will be missed by her cousins,Barbara Williamson, Elizabeth Mignotte and Bill and Kathryn Yungblut.
Janet Kinsman Bilcke
So sorry to hear of Helen’s passing. Grant & Helen were wonderful, kind neighbors 💜 💜
Peg Elligsen
We sure enjoyed our visits when we got together with lots of laughs. Rest In Peace my dear fiend. You were so very special and kind to Bob and thank you for that. Peg and Ron
Alma Westlake
We are sorry to hear of the loss of your sister, and sister-in-law, Doris and Bern. She was also so helpful in the jewelry stores. She enjoyed life.
Robert and Alma Westlake
Debbie Clark
Helen was such a lovely lady and will be truly missed.
Her smile was contagious and it will live on forever in our hearts.
Debbie and Peter Clark and Family
Susan Beardwood
So sorry to hear of Helen’s passing. As a past neighbour we enjoyed many a cup of tea and home baked treat. Condolences to Debi & Peter and all the family, she will be greatly missed.
Sue & Jerry Beardwood. Rest In Peace Helen. Xoxox
Ila & Arnold Mathers
Sorry to hear about your sister Doris
Our thoughts with you and Berne
Betty Cardiff
I was to sad to hear of Helen’s passing.
A long time friend, we had many good times together.
My condolences to the family. Thank you. Leanne for all your care &. love to Helen
Bill & Heather Forrest
Our sincerest condolences. She definitely wore a smile that brought warmth and friendship, a great neighbour.
Dianne Weber
Helen was a great lady. It was a joy to know her and work with her at Hensall Unitrd Church. Dianne
Doug and Judy Dalrymple
Our sincere condolences to Helen’s family.
She was a wonderful friend and co-worker at Anstetts for years.We shared many laughs and remained in touch afterwards.
She had a wonderful personality and an upbeat way of life,and this she shared with everyone she met.
Rest In Peace dear friend and God bless.
Joan Triebner Bernard
My condolences and prayers to Helen’s family on her passing. She was a great friend to my mother and in resent years to me. Always a smile a friendly chat. Lots of reminiscing about life around Kippen and Hensall. R. I. P. dear friend. Joan
Sharon O’Toole
My sincere condolences to Helen’s family. As Knobby, Helen was kind and patient teaching me to be a clown . We enjoyed many fun times painting faces and making balloon animals for little ones . She was always charming and engaging with her young fans. A very special angel.
Sue Riley
I remember many times Helen coming around the “Y” towards Hensall with her red clown nose beaming through the windshield! Always with a smile! RIP, Helen
Shannon Dougherty
My Mom & Dad shared the same wedding anniversary as Grant & Helen. They enjoyed celebrating together. Helen was a good friend to my mom as a co-workers at Anstett’s and later with her frequent visits at home. She always lifted my Mom’s spirits. . My condolences to Helen’s family. She was a wonderful person.
Maureen Wood ( Sullivan )
My Sincere Sympathy to Helen’s Family
Sandra and Ron Dickert
Doris So sorry for the loss of your sister thoughts and prayers are with you