Helen Margaret KYDD

OBITUARY HELEN MARGARET MERIFIELD (nee KYDD) 1917 - 2008 It is with sadness that we announce Helen passed away peacefully on February 11. Beloved wife of 61 years to the late Russell Roy Merifield. Cherished mother of Russell, Elizabeth (Dario Galindo) and Thomas (Linda). Proud grandmother of Marion and step-grandson, Simon. Loving sister of Elizabeth Sharpe and the late Sam Kydd, and sister-in-law to Dr. Jeanne Beck. Helen was born on July 26, 1917 in Campbellford, Ontario and attended schools in Orillia, Port Colborne and Ottawa before entering McGill University, where she graduated with a BA and High School Teaching Diploma in 1939. At McGill, she was President of her sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta, and was President of the McGill Glee Club. She taught at Montreal West High School during World War II, before retiring to become a mother and full time homemaker. In Montreal, her altruistic activities included Town of Mount Royal Presbyterian Church, University Settlement, Montreal Rehabilitation Institute and Royal Victoria Hospital. Moving with her husband to Toronto in 1967, she became an active member of Glenview Presbyterian Church, Goodwill Industries and the North York University Women's Club. Her gracious, friendly manner endeared her to all who met her, and she fitted easily into associations with persons in all walks of life. An eternal optimist, she saw the best in every situation and was seldom disappointed. Friends may call at the Trull North Toronto Funeral Home, 2704 Yonge St. (5 blocks south of Lawrence) on Thursday, February 14 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The funeral service will be held at Glenview Presbyterian Church, 1 Glenview Avenue (3 blocks south of Lawrence, west of Yonge) on Friday, February 15 at 11 a.m. She will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband near their summer home in Magog, Quebec. Donations may be made to the Toronto Humane Society or Sunnybrook & Women's Foundation. The family would like to express their gratitude and thanks to the staff at Cummer Lodge and the caregivers from Homestead Careproviders. Published in the Montreal Gazette from 2/13/2008 - 2/14/2008