Obituary of Helen E. Humphreys

HUMPHREYS HELEN  E.  – Peacefully, at her residence at McLay’s Oak Bay Haven Special Care Home, in Oak Bay, NB, on Monday January 24^th, 2022, at the age of 92. Helen Elizabeth (Andrews) Humphreys; wife of the late Rev. John R. Humphreys, formerly of Sylvia Drive, Saint John, NB. Born in Saint John, NB on June 12, 1929; she was the daughter of the late William J. & Annie May (Segee) Andrews.

        Helen grew up in the north end of the city. She graduated from Saint John High School, Class of 1946 and went on to attend Saint John Vocational Business College for one year, the equivalent to first year of University back then. She graduated and went to work at a local bank.

       She married the late Rev. John Humphreys in 1954. During her husband’s 40 year ministry, at St. Matthews Presbyterian Church on Douglas Avenue, she devoted her life to being a wife, a mother and an active pastor’s wife, all the while working so very hard in the work of the church, a member of the church choir, WMS, bible studies, quilting, helping at the church soup kitchens. Helen was an accomplished organist and pianist, helping with the selection of weekly hymns for service.

       She was a long time employee of the Bank of Nova Scotia, formerly on Charlotte Street, for 25 years, as a Customer Service Representative, retiring in 1995. It was after her retirement from the bank that she stepped into the role as a “temporary  part time organist”, a position that lasted almost 25 years. As well as organist & choir director she served St. Matthew’s as a senior elder. Active in the WMS/AMS circles since 1955, she was a faithful member of the St. Matthews Auxillary, Past President of the St. John Presbyterial and Recording Secretary.She served on the AMS executive as a Member Without Portfolio, Corresponding and Supply Secretary, Vice President and President.

       Helen lived by a standard of putting others before herself in an effort to do good in her community and abroad so that others would benefit by her sincerity of heart & spirit with a genuine intention to help others.

       She served as a member of the Saint John Regional Hospital Auxillary, Past President of the St. John & St. Stephen Nursing Home Auxillary, accompanist for the weekly nursing home church services held for the residents,  President, of the Women’s Inter – Church Council of Saint John,, Member of the Order of the Eastern Star Philip A. Jerguson Chapter # 18, Loyalist Temple # 13 Pythian Sisters and Past Grand Chief of the Maritime Provinces, Past Grand Mistress of the R.W. Lodge # 18 L.O.B.A., Past President of the local Association Fundy Division Girl Guides of Canada.

    Helen was active in many musical circles in Saint John,a former member of the Saint John Choral Society, The Camarata Singers and the Saint John Chorale.

   Helen will be truly missed by her loving family; her son David Humphreys and his wife Barb grand daughter Abbey Humphreys (Derian Richardson), great grandson Carson Richardson all of St. Stephen, NB, grand daughter Karen McGowan ( fiancé Jon MacDonald), great grand daughter McKinley and great grandson Mitchell, all of Fairfield, NB, grandson Matthew McGowan  (wife Juliette Cormier) of Dieppe, NB, son – in – law Rick McGowan of GrandBay Westfield, NB, daughter in law Gwen Humphreys of Pickering, ON, sister in law Catherine, niece, Karen, nephews Dana & Robert, cousins, great nieces and great nephews.

     Helen was predeceased by her husband, Rev. John Humphreys, her two sons Barry & Blair daughter Diane McGowan, her brother Donald and niece Pam.

     Friends will be welcomed to attend a celebration of her life to be held  on Tuesday, May 3rd, 2022 at 11:00 am at Grace Presbyterian Church, Coburg Street Saint John, NB.  The Rev. Dr. John Crawford officiating. A reception will immediately follow the service in the church hall. The interment will follow at Ocean View Memorial Gardens.

   For those coming from away; parking will be at a premium in the immediate area so car pooling is suggested. Parking available in the following ares - side streets in every direction; parking lot at very rear of St. Joseph`s Hospital and the Cathedral on Waterloo (if no funeral there currently in progress); 2 pay parking lots located at St. Joseph`s Hospital - 5 min walk and the Brunswick Square parking complex - 10 - 15 minute walk.

      For those not able to attend a broadcast link is available directly below

https://youtu.be/RYCLdRwjE30

     In lieu of flowers and in honour of mom’s memory, a donation to the Grace Presbyterian Church Soup Kitchen, Saint John Regional Hospital Auxillary or by just doing a selfless act of kindness for someone in need; would help make this world a better place.

         The family would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to the staff & residents of McLays Oak Bay Haven Special Care Home for their wonderful care and kindness shown to mom during her stay with you.

     On line condolences to the family or donations can be made at either www.humphreysfh.com or www.brenansfh.com

      Arrangements have been entrusted to the care & direction of Humphreys Funeral Home 20 Marks Street, St. Stephen, NB E3L 2B2