HUBER, HELEN (nee WOLKOWICZ) October 21, 1934 – January 6, 2019.
Helen lived a long, full life. She was raised on a small farm in Beeton, Ontario and moved to Toronto at the age of 18 to begin her career as a public school teacher. She earned a BA and eventually became a principal. At her last posting, Sheppard Public School, she founded a steel band for all interested children and, in her typical play-on-words style, enlisted the active support of Moe Koffman (Swingin’ Shepherd Blues) to inspire them. After retirement she mentored gifted students.
Helen had a restless energy, a rapier wit and no tolerance for boredom, fuss and nonsense. She loved to cook and entertain. She was generous with her friends. She travelled the world with a light suitcase and many companions, and volunteered for several years at the Toronto Jazz Festival. Other passions included cats, needlework, cryptic crosswords and butterflies. And interesting parties.
When various afflictions forced a move to Long Term Care four years ago, Helen accepted the radical change in her life with unexpected grace and pragmatism, yet never relinquished her right to shape her life. Unable to read much, she devoured American political TV news and was often primed for a spirited discussion.
The Jazz Lady (a.k.a. ‘H’) will be acutely missed by her brother Michael and his wife Patricia (Victoria, BC) and by her devoted and loving friends, Sonny and Nadia Fertile (Etobicoke). She was predeceased by her bosom buddy and co-conspirator of longest standing, Marilyn O’Hagan, who left in advance last summer to light tiki torches for Helen’s final journey.
Private arrangements have been made through York Funeral Centre. Memorial donations to a charity of your choice or to Helen’s chosen charities (MusiCounts, The Canadian Children’s Book Centre and the Humane Society) are deeply appreciated.