Obituary of Helen Pearl Orlando

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Helen Orlando, at the age of 87, with her loving family and staff from Meadows of Dorchester by her side. Helen’s kind, gentle spirit and unconditional love will live on in the hearts of all those whose lives she has touched. 

 

Helen will be re-united with her husband Ernie, mother Pearl, father Jack, and brother Jack. She is survived by her sister Joyce and her adoring children: Barb (Al), Joe (Jane), Dean, Terry (Pierre), Cathy (Sanjiv), and Robert as well as her grandchildren: Amy, Jennifer, Joe, Michael, Nikhita, Salina, David, and Sophia and great-grandchildren: Gregory, Claire, Jackson, and Charlie.

 

Helen was born and raised in Shumacher, Ontario. Losing her father at the age of thirteen left her with a tenderness that she bestowed on all those around her. Helen earned her Bronze Cross and worked as a lifeguard before going to Teacher’s College. She excelled in this field given her endless patience and love of children. Helen and Ernest married and had six children in nine years. She was a consummate mother, with infinite ideas for helping her children experience the world fully. Nurturing, loving, and always there to help her family navigate life’s challenges and complexities. Helen made a beautiful and loving home for her family. Her natural garden was an eye-catching splendour. Helen loved poetry and one of her favorite poems was ‘Desiderata’ by Max Ehrmann which hung on the wall in her home’s entrance.

 

Helen’s infectious smile will live on and be fondly remembered by her family and friends. Rest peacefully Birdie, until we meet again. You are our sunshine and are forever in our hearts.

 

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to all of the staff at the Meadows of Dorchester, who took such loving care of Helen and her mother Pearl. We will be forever grateful for all that you have done.  

 

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Meadows of Dorchester to support all of the amazing work that they do for our loved ones.

 

We will celebrate a wonderful life lived at the Benner Funeral Chapel 1105 Benner Ave., Fort Erie  on September 26th.  Family and friends will visit for an hour prior to a service at 4pm.  Livestream will be available on the Benner Funeral Service Facebook site.