Obituary of Helen Elizabeth Laffin
Helen Elizabeth Laffin (Harvie), 79, of Mill Section, Hants County, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2022 in the Hants Community Hospital, surrounded by love. Helen was born on March 16, 1943 to the late William (Bill) Harvie and Grace Saulnier.
Helen was affectionately known as Mother, Mom, Mommy, Nan, or Nanny Laffin and was cherished by all her family, who she loved unconditionally. All of us children joked repeatedly that we were her favourite, and she agreed with each of us, every time. As her family grew, so did her heart and she developed a loving relationship with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In her role as a mother-in-law, she was top notch. Even our friends called her Mommy, Nanny Laffin, or Nan. She was kind and soft hearted but boy she did have a stubborn streak, something she passed on to all us kids. She always had an open door and welcomed everyone into her home. Mom loved cooking family dinners and having as many of her loved ones attend as possible. She excelled at making homemade bread, even though she always left a note with the drop off that said she hoped it was good. It was always deliciously good! Chocolate pie was another favourite surprise left on the counter.
In her younger years, she helped raise her grandchildren. Faithfully always available and willing to look after them. Mom was quiet and even a bit shy, but always smiling and willing to lend a hand. She loved being invited on family excursions and to family events. She loved to travel and had the opportunity to see most of Canada and several US States. Second to her family, Mom’s flower gardens were her pride and joy and she loved spending hours in them. Many people commented on them; about how beautiful they always were. Mom followed #24 Jeff Gordon faithfully and had a great love for Winnie the Pooh. Mom always made the time to call everyone on their birthdays, anniversaries, or any major event in our lives and always with words of encouragement, pride, and love.
We will all miss her dearly, her warm hugs and her parting words “Luv ya”.
Helen is survived by her daughter, Susan Turner, New Ross; three sons, Gregory (Crystal); Barry (Tara); and Buttons (Jane Abbott), all of Mill Section; nine grandchildren, Josh (Kelly); Kate (Chris Cullen); Keshia; Kayla (Terry) Todd; Meagan (Drew Amyot); Melissa (Alex Stevenson); Amy; Blake (Lacey Renouf); Zack (Emma Greenslade); six great-grandchildren, Jackson and Parker Laffin; Esmae, Leyah, and Hunter Laffin; Everly Todd; sister, Goldie (Ronald) White of White’s Settlement, Noel Road; she is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents, Helen was predeceased by her husband, James; her two brothers, Jim Harvie and Joe Saulnier; and her son-in-law, Johnnie Turner.
The family would like to thank Amber Phillips and the staff of Hants Community Hospital, Palliative Care.
In keeping with mom’s wishes, there will be no visitation. A private family interment and celebration of life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Hants Community Hospital, Palliative Care, 89 Payzant Drive, Windsor, NS B0N 2T0. Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, 34 Coldbrook Village Park Dr., Coldbrook, NS, B4R 1B9 (902-679-2822).
“If ever there is a tomorrow when we’re not together…there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart…I’ll always be with you.” ~ Winnie the Pooh
