Obituaries

After 89 years full of family and faith, Helen passed away on Sunday, March 9th surrounded by the love of her children, to be reunited with her beloved soulmate and husband, George.

Born in Peterborough in 1935 and raised in Lindsay, Helen completed her parents Mae and John Kelbrick’s family of 12 children. She was a cherished little sister and friend to John Kelbrick, Agnes Adamson, Rita Morin, Marie Booth, Theresa Babcock, Arnold Kelbrick, Shirley Campeau, Raymond Kelbrick, Joan Kelbrick, and Jean Sexsmith (all predeceased) and her surviving sister Patsy Dowson.

As a teenager, she met the love of her life and her future husband of 65 years, George Brasier, at the Academy Theatre, where they both worked. Together they raised their large family in Lindsay. She was a much-loved Mom, and her kids - Michael (Margie), Laurie Richards, Shelley (Sarah Keys), Kevin (Theresa Henry), Colleen Demoe (Steven), Darren, and Joanne – are forever grateful for Helen’s constant care and love. She will also be greatly missed by her grandchildren Meaghan, Steven, Leanne, Kelly, Amanda, Marleah, Dakota, Mercedes (Tim O’Reilly), Jacob, Kirsten, Cassidy, Nicholas, Tom, Lillian, and Helen Elizabeth, as well as her great grandchildren. She is also fondly remembered by her sisters-in-law Deanna Reynolds and Nancy Corley and many nieces and nephews.

Helen took pride in being an exceptional wife and mother, running her busy, bustling household with great skill and ability. No matter the time of day her kids returned home from their many activities, or George from his shift work, they found their plates waiting for them. She excelled in the domestic arts, from needlepoint to sewing, baking to ceramics, Helen’s hands were never still. Together, side-by-side, she and George built their dream home outside of Lindsay and spent many happy years there. George’s retirement brought new opportunities, such as travelling and tai chi, where they made many new and lasting friendships. Of all these activities, Helen’s legacy will be most closely tied to her beautiful knitting. Not only did she outfit her family in finely crafted sweaters, blankets, hats, and mitts, knitting also became a great act of service, as she donated thousands of hats, mitts and baby sweaters to local organizations to keep others warm as well. It brings a smile to our faces every time we see local children wearing one of Helen’s hats, distributed through the schools. They may have never met her, but we know that their hat was made with love in every stitch.

Helen’s family is thankful for the ongoing support from the Community Care Team that enabled her to stay in her home, as well the medical care she received over the years from Dr. Vorster and Amy Thompson, NP. A special thank you to the Palliative Care Unit at our local hospital – your loving care of Helen in her final days, and support and guidance for her family, is appreciated beyond words.

Christmas always brought Helen great joy, and we invite people to wear a favourite Christmas broach, scarf or tie in memory of her.

Visitation will be held at the Mackey Funeral Home, 33 Peel Street on Wednesday March 12th, 2025 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. and again from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 31 Russell Street East, on Thursday March 13th, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. A Celebration of Helen's Life will follow at Celebrations, 35 Lindsay Street North at 3:00 p.m. Memorial donations to A Place Called home would be greatly appreciated by the family, and can be made by cheque through the funeral home, or online.