Praskey, Helen

Jan 05, 2022

We are immensely saddened to announce the passing of our best friend and mother, Helen Nancy Praskey at the age of 93 with family by her side. She leaves behind three children and their families: Katherine (Dave and Nick, Jenna and Kaylynn), Karen (Jen and Tim) and Bud (Heather and Lily). Helen grew up in Toronto with her parents, Abram and Delma Pike, and siblings Dorothy, Don and Bob. She was deeply saddened by the loss of Bob in 1944 when the bomber he was piloting was shot down to its final resting place on a farm in Belgium. Helen’s father was a high school teacher and she felt lucky to be able to spend each summer at the cottage at the lake in Central Frontenac. For the past three decades, Helen loved living at the new house with our father, David Roland John Praskey until dad’s passing in 2009, and then on her own. Helen felt very fortunate to be living back at the cottage property after moving from Peterborough in 1991. Over the past 30 years, Helen had been heavily involved in several community activities including: Director of the Glee Club for which she arranged the music along with Clint Barnett, until his passing; organist and pianist at two local churches and seniors’ events; vocalist with a local pop/jazz ensemble and leader of Tai Chi classes. Helen was also a Wellesley Hospital School of Nursing alumnus (1950). By far, her most cherished possessions were her friends and family. One would never suspect that if you turned off ‘The Lost Highway’, one would find such a wonderful community, rich with so many beautiful and caring people. She felt truly privileged every day. Thanks go to caregivers at Perth hospital and KGH, as well as to the Tamworth Medical Clinic for the many years of incredible support to both Helen and David. We leave you with a note from one of our newer family members, Jim, who couldn’t have put it better:

Leading by example, teaching from both head and heart, believing in life and seeing the good in all.

No need for the deceptions put forth by many, yet confident in the ways of the truth.

Inquisitive, thoughtful, and never satisfied with the easy solutions, be they moral, political, or spiritual.

A generous friend to many and bright light in the community.

Always to be remembered as wife, mother, grandmother, instructor, musician, choirmaster, singer, caregiver and companion.

Let's not be saddened by this loss, but inspired by those gifts she shared with all.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any charity nearest and dearest to your heart in memory of Helen. When safe, a gathering to honour and celebrate Helen will be announced. In the care of Hannah Funeral Home, in Tamworth 613-379-2997. Online condolences at www.hannahfuneralhome.com