May 01, 1931 - Jan 14, 2026

• Helen Louise Leonard (née McGregor)

Helen passed away peacefully on January 14, 2026, at the age of 94, surrounded by her loving family.

 

Helen was a dedicated nurse by profession and spent her life caring for others, both at work and at home. She was a loving wife and mother, and a steady presence to anyone in need. Helen and her late husband, Philip, worked hard to provide for their family and were deeply involved in their community, especially at the Legion and Curling Club. Helen’s gentle spirit and generous heart always made everyone feel cared for and welcomed.

 

Helen had many interests that brought joy to her life and to those around her. A true green thumb, Helen devoted much of her time to gardening and appreciating beautiful flowers. She was also a talented seamstress and crafter taking great pride in creating beautiful and useful things for her friends and family.

 

Fond family memories include the many great meals Helen cooked and shared, family camping, multiple cruises and trips abroad to Scotland and Australia, a family reunion in Mexico, enjoying her famous ginger snap cookies, countless hours playing cards, many walks and shopping adventures.

 

Helen was born in Makaroff, Manitoba, and later raised her family in Dauphin and then The Pas, where the Leonard family hand-built their log cabin on Rocky Lake. She and Philip retired to Sooke, British Columbia, and at the age of 92, Helen moved to Ottawa, where she enjoyed her final years being cared for and having special moments with her family.

 

Helen was predeceased by her beloved husband, Philip Leonard (1930–2014), and her son, Christopher (1961–1963). She leaves behind her devoted children Sheila, Yvonne (Sandy), and Tim (Deb), as well as her cherished grandchildren Derek (Crystal), Aaron, and Julia (Jon), and great-grandchildren Tristan and Kiersten. Helen will also be missed by her close friends and her many nieces and nephews.

 

Helen’s kindness, strength, and quiet grace will remain with us always. She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered.

 

The family extends special thanks to kind-hearted Lora, caregiver Sadie, and the Queensway Carleton Park Place Centre, especially Megan O’Brien and the nursing staff, for the comfort and compassionate care provided in Helen’s final weeks.

 

A service will be held later this year in Dauphin, where Helen will be laid to rest with her beloved husband, Philip, and her son, Christopher.