December 2, 1934 - July 12, 2024
In loving memory ~
Helen was born to William & Edna McKenzie on December 2, 1934 in Regina Saskatchewan.
Helen lived in many places throughout her life but she wasn't "truly home" until she purchased a rustic piece of land just outside of Nelson B.C. (Blewett) in 1965. This piece of land would one day, after much labour, become an animal rehabilitation centre where she cared for injured wildlife for over fifty years.
Helen's Blewett Farm was well known to the many school children and seniors homes that were treated to visiting the animals that were in Helen's care. Though the animals varied from Bears, Cougars, Moose, Elk, it was always a treat to be able to see the animals close up.
Highlights of Helen's life included being awarded the Minister's Environmental award in 1990 and being named "Nelson Citizen of the Year In 2016". In 2021 Telus Storyhive featured Helen's story as a documentary called "Stay Wild". Although struggling with Dementia at the time she was able to account many stories of her years of Wildlife Rehabilitation.
In 2022 Helen's health declined and she was no longer able to care for the animals or the farm so she moved to Rosewood Village where she resided until her death. Helen passed away peacefully at Rosewood Village with her family by her side on July 12, 2024. She leaves behind her two sons, Edward (Carol) Breakwell (Nelson B.C.) and Ross Breakwell (Fruitvale B.C), Grandchildren Jake Breakwell and LuCinda Rollick, and four great grandchildren.
She is also survived by her sister Sandi (Don) Cummings, as well as her step children and their children.
Helen's family would like to express special thanks to the Staff of Rosewood for the excellent care Helen received while she lived there. In lieu of flowers donations in Helen's memory can be made to the B.C. Wildlife Federation at https://bcwf.bc.ca/ or to a charity of their choice.
For more information and to leave a message of condolence, please see the Thompson Funeral Service website at https://www.thompsonfs.ca