Obituary of Helen Margaret Mary Martin Stewart
Helen Margaret Mary Martin Stewart, 77 of Pigott Lake, formally of College Grant passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 28th at home, in her cozy bed in front of a crackling fire in the arms of her loving daughter who told her dad, it was time to take mom dancing again. And so, it was.
She is survived by sons, Chris (Jackie) Fraser; Ron Stewart; daughter, Melodie (Steve) Joy; 12 very special grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren from Alberta, Ontario and Nova Scotia; who love their Nana very much. Her husband, Ron Stewart passed in 2016. Now, they are together again with no pain, no doubt dancing to What a Wonderful World.
Mom’s passion was for her family and she did everything with them in mind. Her creative ability in card making was amazing. She spent many thoughtful hours thinking about and planning her cards, like her 2021 Christmas card, a final gift to those she loved. If you have ever received one of “honeybees” special cards, know that it was sent from a place of love and that you mattered to her.
There is so much that can be written about her life. From having a rare terminal form of cancer in her thirties (and surviving it), to having four hip replacements, and surgeries over the years from the effects of the treatments, mom was a peaceful warrior. Never complaining of pain or the cards she had been dealt in this life. Regardless of the challenges she experienced and overcame, the lessons she taught us will live on forever. Mom taught us love and forgiveness, what an amazing gift to those she loved deeply.
Since her husband Ron Stewart left this world in 2016, she had lived comfortably next to her daughter, Melodie, son-in-law Steve and grandson Stewart, on Pigott Lake. Her amazing granddaughter Kayla moved home from New Brunswick over a year ago to be close to Nana. She would sit in her chair and read out instructions from her tattered hand-written recipe book while Kayla made the pickles, loafs, pasta, etc. So much love and laughter in that cottage. So many wonderful memories. Her son, Chris and daughter-in-law Jackie Fraser moved to our Pigott Lake “compound” for two years from Alberta, also, to be close to mom. Every morning Jackie would pop in and have her morning coffee and game show with mom. Her son Ron and his children Jr, Colby and Hannah have made several trips from Ontario in the past few years to be with her as well.
Mom loved sitting on the deck of her cottage sharing a glass of red wine with us, enjoyed visits from family, neighbors and friends, looking at the lake and all the pleasures it brought her. But her happiest place had to be when she was on the Honeybee. A pontoon boat that allowed her the comfort and freedom of the wind in her hair and the sun on her face. It was always a good day when mom could go for a boat ride! Sunset was her favorite time, it was magical. Just like her.
Thank you to all the family and friends for reaching out at this difficult time. The food, phone calls, messages and love are all appreciated, we know you are hurting too, and we are sending love and light to you all. Thank you to the medical professionals who helped to the best of their ability, and to the healthcare system for dropping the ball and forgetting about her over Christmas. It allowed us to take care of her as we saw fit. A very special thank you to Trina and Shawna. Being the fierce innovative women that we are, we created our own Pigott Lake Medical System. Trina took care of all the medication and Shawna took care of her body. She was clean, comfortable, feeling no pain and making it possible for us to hold space for mom allowing Kayla and I the gift of nurturing her spirit for her next journey. This would not have been possible without you and we are forever grateful.
A Private Celebration, in honor of Helen, will be held in the summer of 2022 by the ocean. Family Flowers only. Memorial donations may be made to the Uniacke Wishgivers or to a Charity of One's Choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, 34 Coldbrook Village Park Dr., Coldbrook, NS, B4R 1B9 (902-679-2822).
