Helen DeCoste passed away peacefully at St. Martha's Hospital in Antigonish, NS. on Wednesday, October 4th, 2017 in her 83rd year.
Born on February 14, 1934 in Mulgrave, Nova Scotia, daughter of the late James & Hattie (LeBlanc) Purcell, wife of the late Curtis DeCoste.
A remarkable woman, wife, mother, homemaker, Helen spent a number of years as an office administrator at the Coady International Institute and at StFX Extension Department before moving with her family to Riverview, New Brunswick. She was an avid gardener, talented dressmaker and an accomplished craftsperson.
She was an inspiration to those around her for her open mindedness and inclusive attitude toward others. Her love of reading resulted in a life long passion for arts and culture. One of Helen’s many accomplishments was graduating from StFX University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1995.
Helen was a leader in the Girl Guides of Canada, taught catechism, volunteered for numerous community fundraising organizations. Later in life, along with her late husband Curtis, dedicated herself to senior’s issues both locally and nationally. Most recently, she was on the board of Eastern Mainland Housing Authority.
Her remarkable legacy will live on in those who loved her. She is survived by her children, Michelle (Michael) Chisholm, Ohio, NS, Celeste, Antigonish, NS, Curtis (Sharon), St. Albert, AB, Jeannine (Fred) Munro, Guysborough Intervale, NS, Suzette (Pierre) Morell, Pomquet, NS, Stephen (Dawn), Riverview, NB, Gerard (Judie), Fredericton, NB, Mark (Jean), Montreal, NB, Patrick (Jamie), Toronto, ON, Cari (Stuart), Riverview, NB, Krista (Randy) Lauff, Fairmount, NS, Tim (Tonya), Rivière Qui Barre, AB; 34 grandchildren; 38 great grandchildren; many nephews and nieces; siblings Jean Morrow, Leo Purcell, Eileen Power, of Antigonish and Colin Purcell, Port Hawkesbury, NS.
Helen was predeceased by husband, Curtis DeCoste, sister, Genevieve O'Connell and brothers, Mel, Jimmy and Gerald.
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of St. Martha’s Hospital for their care and compassion.
Visitation will be from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. on Sunday, October 8th at C. L. Curry Funeral Home, 135 College St., Antigonish. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday, October 9th at 11 a.m. at St. Ninian Cathedral, Antigonish Reverend Donald MacGillivray presiding. A private burial will be arranged at a later date.
Donations may be made to St. Martha’s The Time Is Now! Endowment Campaign. Online condolences: www.clcurry.com