Obituary of Helena (née Breen) Hook

The family of Helena Hook would like to announce her peaceful passing, after a life well-lived. She passed on August 3rd at the palliative care unit at Saint John Regional Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

Helena was born on June 4^th 1946 in Athlone, Ireland, to the parents of James & Eileen (née Corr) Breen.  She graduated from Our Lady’s Bower in 1963 and departed for London shortly afterwards. In March 1966 Helena married her beloved husband of 58 years, Stuart, a native of Peterborough England. A new stage of her life developed with the births of Fiona and Ian, the purchase of a house and the start of her Cosmetic career.

In 1973 they emigrated with their young family to Saint John NB where Stuart accepted a job for the next 33 years at the Irving Oil Refinery.  

They built a house on Darlings Island while she continued her cosmetic career. She was blessed with the birth of her third child, David and kept her Irish roots alive through the Irish organisations of  The Irish Canadian Cultural Association and Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann. She had a huge influence of the development of Irish cultural awareness in Saint John, including being President for 2 year terms with both organisations. During her leadership with Comhaltas she received their prestigious award of Mná an Domhain  (“Women of the World”)

Helena continued her professional development with her business “Radiant Colours” on Germain Street, Saint John and had her own cosmetic product line; “Helena Cosmetics”.  As a qualified colour and wardrobe consultant, she did numerous business presentations. One of the many highlights she appreciated, was having the honour to apply make-up for the Honorable Mary McAleese, President of Ireland when in Saint John on her first state visit to Canada.

Helena loved a challenge and in 2004 she completed the Dublin Marathon in Ireland benefit for the Arthritis Society.

Helena’s compassion for others was evident all through her life and in her retirement years she volunteered her time to teach English to a Syrian family and helped them adjust to Canadian Life.

In 2006, Helena’s drive for learning prompted her, at the age of 60, to return to university in Saint John and obtain her Bachelor of Arts in English with her thesis on the works of the late Seamus Heaney, Irish Poet and playwright.

Helena was a member of the Writers Federation of New Brunswick, and enjoyed the camaraderie of her writing group,  Seaside Scribes. Some of her poems and stories have been published in various anthologies and magazines. She also penned a family memoir of her childhood in Ireland as a tribute to her late mother.

Family was the main stay in Helena’s life both her own three children and grand children and her special family of friends whom she cherished.

Helena was pre-deceased by her parents, her sister Brenda, brother Noel. She is survived by her loving husband Stuart of 58 years; Her daughter Fiona McGrath (Gary), her son Ian (Sheila Walsh R.I.P.), David (Pamela). Grandchildren Aiden, Xander and Keaton. Brothers: Tony (Mary), Seamus (Doreen), Sean (Siobhan), David (Philomena); Sisters: Kathleen Mabbutt (Bob), Marian Fleming (Mike), Phyllis Treglia (Tony) and Martina Breen.  She is also survived by all her nephews, nieces, in-laws and friends and neighbours.

Thank you to all the doctors for their dedicated care and compassion during Helena’s illness, especially Oncologist Dr. Groom, surgeons Dr, James Mowatt, Dr, Tewes, Dr. Robin Comeau (Vitalite Moncton), Dr. Acker, GP Dr Doiron, Dr. Christian Mackin and the exceptional nursing staff of the Palliative Care unit. A very special thanks to all the staff of Extra Mural for their personal care and concern. Thank you to Kennebecasis Funeral Home for being there for the family and providing your guidance.

Arrangements are under the care of Kennebecasis Funeral Home, 152 Pettingill Road, Quispamsis, (506-849-2119), with visiting on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, from 2:00-4:00 PM & 6:00-8:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 31 Gondola Point Road, Rothesay, NB, on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at 11:00 AM. Interment will take place in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cemetery. Following the burial friends and family are invited to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church for a reception. For those who wish donations to: SJRH Foundation-Palliative Care https://thegive.ca/donate-now/ , Hospice, the Cancer society or donors’ choice would be appreciated by the family. For anyone unable to make it to the Mass, a livestream will be available by clicking the link on the left hand side of the obituary.