Obituary of Helen Woodliffe

WOODLIFFE: Helen Fern (nee Turner) -

A resident of Chatham and formerly of Guilds and Ridgetown, Helen Woodliffe  passed away peacefully at the  Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, Chatham Campus with family at her side on Monday, August 27, 2018  at the age of 95. 

Born in Cupar, SK, Helen was the daughter of the late H.L. and Fern (Smith) Turner. 

Cherished wife of 63 years to the late Peter Woodliffe (2010). 

Beloved mother of Susan Sparling Manuel (John), Allen Woodliffe (Marie) and Patricia Smith (Greg). 

Proud grandmother of Greg Sparling (Sheri), Tara Lyn Corrente (John), Jonathan Sparling (Stephanie), Tim Woodliffe and Kristin McKenna (Alexander).

Gigi to Kayla and Katherine Sparling; Titus, Justus and Lilia Corrente; Claire, Ben and Corinne Sparling. 

Dear sister to Paul Turner (Sondra). Also missed by several nieces, nephews, friends and extended family. 

Predeceased by her son-in-law Carman Sparling, sister Yvonne Robinson (late Bob) and infant siblings Margaret and Murray. 

Helen loved learning throughout her whole life and loved to share this passion with others during her teaching career, which she chose as her profession early on. She completed her B.A. from University of Windsor and pursued many learning opportunities through the years.

Another passion of her life was her faith and she devoted herself in leading many groups over the years with her church family, including a CGIT group for over 20 years.  She was camp director among other roles at Kenesserie Camp and helped with the Lay Witness Mission Team across the country.  Other volunteer roles included driving for CHAPS and a palliative care worker.

Hobbies that brought great pleasure were square dancing, travelling the continent and internationally, spending time in nature and camping, writing poetry, reading, making cards, knitting and crocheting, photography and playing the piano. She always enjoyed time with her grandchildren and was their encourager and friend.

Helen was a wonderful mother, wife, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend and an inspiration to many and will truly be missed

Family will receive friends at the McKinlay Funeral Home, 76 Main Street East, Ridgetown on Thursday, September 6, 2018 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm and 7:00 - 9:00 pm. A Celebration of Helen's Life will be held at Emmanuel Congregational Church, 92 Erie Street North, Ridgetown at 11:00 am on Friday, September 7, 2018 with Rev. Tim Lukings officiating. Interment to follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim. 

Donations made in memory of Helen to the Emmanuel Congregational Church, Nature Conservancy of Canada (Qu'Appelle Valley, SK) or Compassion Canada (Gifts of Compassion) would be appreciated. 

Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

McKinlay Funeral Home, 76 Main Street East, Ridgetown, 519-674-3141