Helen Rose Racey
elevated c0rzl May 29, 1923 ~ February 9, 2024
elevated c0rzl Visitation
Saturday, February 17, 2024 from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
elevated c0rzl Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, ON, L3T 3Z6
elevated c0rzl Funeral Mass
Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 1:30 pm
elevated c0rzl Chapel of St. Joseph – Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
elevated c0rzl Burial – Private Family Only
Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery
elevated c0rzl Obituary
elevated c0rzl Helen Racey, beloved wife of the late Charlie Racey, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished friend to many, passed away peacefully on February 9th, 2024. She is leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and precious memories. Born on May 29, 1923, and having reached the unbelievable pinnacle of 100 years old, Helen had lived a life filled with passion, devotion, and unwavering love for her family and friends. Her nurturing spirit and unconditional love touched the lives of all who knew her, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of her family.
elevated c0rzl Helen was the proud mother of 6 children – Carol, Janet (Lyell Shaver), Susan (Steve Davies), Steve (Ellen Racey), Alan (Linette Brookman), Joanne (Rob McKay) and the adoring grandmother of 16 grandchildren, and great-grandmother of 17 great-grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in her heart. Her family was the light of her life, and she poured her heart and soul into ensuring their happiness and well-being. Her home was always a haven of warmth and love, where laughter and joy abounded, and where cherished memories were created that will be treasured for generations to come.
elevated c0rzl Known for her holiday baking and culinary delights, Helen’s kitchen was always filled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked treats and home cooked meals, bringing joy to all who had the pleasure of indulging in her creations. Her holiday cookies, brownies, chocolate eclairs, chiffon cakes, banana cream/lemon meringue/apple and peach pies will be fondly remembered by all who were fortunate enough to be near the kitchen and gobble them up before they disappeared.
elevated c0rzl Her ability to recall even the smallest details of past events and stories brought joy and laughter to countless gatherings, and created cherished moments that will be treasured forever. Whether it was birthdays, anniversaries, or special milestones, she had the ability to recall and commemorate each occasion with heartfelt sincerity and thoughtfulness. Her loved ones were always touched by her genuine desire to make every moment memorable.
elevated c0rzl In addition to her role as a devoted Mother, Helen was also renowned for her exceptional talent as a seamstress. With a skilled hand and a keen eye for detail, she transformed fabric into works of art, creating exquisite garments that were as beautiful as she was. Another talent was her penmanship and she had proudly won many awards. There was not one person that wasn’t in awe when she put pen to paper…even at 100 years old!
elevated c0rzl Helen’s presence brought light and warmth to every room she entered, and her absence leaves a void that cannot be filled. Though she may no longer be with us in person, her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.
elevated c0rzl In honoring Helen’s memory, let us celebrate the love, laughter, and joy she brought into our lives. May we find solace in the cherished memories we shared and take comfort in knowing that she will always hold a special place in our hearts.
elevated c0rzl In lieu of flowers, a donation to her church, the Alzheimer’s Society or a charity of your choice would be welcome…
elevated c0rzl https://alzheimer.ca/en/take-action/make-your-donation-today
elevated c0rzl https://stjustinmartyrun.archtoronto.org/en/contact-us/donations/
elevated c0rzl Please choose “St. Justin Martyr Parish” as the Church option for the donation and add: For Helen Racey in the comment section.
elevated c0rzl
Our heartfelt condolences reach out to Steve, Ellen, and the entire family from Vince and Antonella Masella. We empathize with your sorrow and want to assure you that our thoughts are with you during this challenging time. Helen’s absence will be deeply felt, and there will undoubtedly be moments that evoke tears as her memory is cherished. May you also find solace and moments of warmth as you reflect on the joy she brought into your lives. Take comfort in the enduring brightness of her spirit, which will continue to illuminate the hearts of those she held dear, offering you solace during this difficult time.
Dear Joanne, (Alex, Kyle, Evan),
Susan and family,
Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family during this difficult time.
I felt so honoured and grateful to have met your beautiful and extremely bright Mother Helen recently.
We are here for you.
Wishing you peace, comfort and strength.
Love,
Michelle, Mason Mario & Myla
Thank you so much for your kind words and for attending the visitation and service. Your support means a lot to me and my family
How wonderful that auntie Helen had a 100 years of a healthy life. With such a large family she still had time to share her sewing skills with me as I was learning the skill and lots of good conversation over the phone these last few years.
A well deserved rest of peace auntie
Dear Lorraine
It gives our family even more memories to hold dear when stories of our mother are shared like yours. My mother was likely thrilled to help you with a skill that she was so proud to possess. Remember the luncheons we had over the years in which she was included. She loved being with young people. Thanks for your kind message.
Our deepest sympathies to Steve and the rest of the Racey family.
From
The Hannah Family.
Thanks you for your condolences Aubrey very much appreciated
Steve and family
As I read the heartfelt sentiments of her family, I was transported back in time to the kitchen on Sweeney and the lovely concoctions that came from the loving hands and heart of Auntie Helen.
I could never decide if the chocolate eclairs were my favourite or her pineapple cake. I never ordered chocolate eclairs anywhere because they were never as good as hers.
Our annual get together on January 1st, was always a highlight for me, and the sound of her laughter from another room always made me smile and feel at home.
She definitely was a very special woman, and I was honored to call her my aunt.
You will be missed Auntie Helen, and all the happiness and joy that you brought to multitude of people.
My condolences to her family that is now living without her beautiful presence in their lives.
Love Summer
Dear Summer
It’s so wonderful to hear that our mother’s baking was enjoyed just as much by everyone else as we enjoyed it ourselves. Your favorites are mine too .. but then there was her butter tarts, brownies, chocolate layered cake, pies and cookies. I could never decide what was the best just like you. Your lovely message about our mom brought a smile to my face.
xo Thanks from the Racey family
Our sincere condolences to Joanne, your children and family. You have such great memories to cherish.
Your friends
Michael & Mary
My heartfelt condolences to Joanne, Alex, Even, Kyle, and the rest of the Racey clan. 💐
May your many memories of Helen give you some comfort at this difficult time. Hold onto those memories and remember the good times. Joanne you are such a loving, caring person I can only imagine how heartbroken you are. Sending all my love to you and your children,
Your friend Catherine
Our deepest sympathies to Joanne, Alex, Evan, Kyle, and the rest of the Racey family.
May your cherished memories of your mother and grandmother, help to guide you through this very difficult time. Her beautiful being and light will forever be close to you, as you celebrate her life today and always .
All our love, Angela, rob, Morgan, Ireland and Robbie.
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful woman. We have such fond memories of Auntie Helen. She was always so warm, gentle and kind. She will live on in the hearts of all who loved her. Sending our sincere sympathy on your loss.
Marina (nee Di Gregorio) Grant and Colleen Di Gregorio
Condolences to the Racey family.
Aunt Helen was a remarkable lady and her passing has created a void.
I hope you all can find consolation in all the memories you have of her. Her legacy will continue on through her family.
I will cherish all the weekly chats I had with her.
Jonathan Gregory