Helen Catherine Denny (Watson) passed away peacefully on March 16, 2009. Helen was born in Edmonton to James and Isabel Watson on February 12, 1916. In her teens, she moved to Victoria, where her father opened “The English Sweet Shop” on Yates Street. She attended Sprott Shaw College and worked at Andrew Sheret Ltd. Through the Beaux Arts Club, Mom met Roy Denny who convinced this prairie girl to sail away with him. They married March 19, 1939 and together they raised four children, travelled the world and enjoyed a wonderfully long and fulfilled life. Helen is predeceased by her parents and brother, Bill Watson. She is survived by her devoted husband, Roy; her children, Derek Denny (Lene), Sue McGorman (Bruce), Cathy Denny (David Anderson), John Denny (Sharon); seven grandchildren, Kyle Denny (Heather Clark), Kwyn Maxwell (Aaron), Simon, Dane and Danica Straith, Lee and Shannon Denny as well as 4 great-grandsons; Nathan and Aidan Denny, Noah and Keaton Maxwell. Helen is also survived by her much loved sister, Dorie Salter (Al) in Edmonton and her sister-in-law, Elsie Adamson of Victoria; numerous cousins and many nieces and nephews. Above all, Mom was truly devoted to her large family and wide circle of friends. She was an energetic hostess and always up for a party! Known for her great sense of humour, shrewd Scottish heritage and the ability to juggle many hats, she cared deeply for us all in her entirely sensible and no-nonsense way. Her friends have treasured memories and we thank them all for their love, support and gift of friendship. The family wishes to thank the staff of Sunrise of Victoria who in their professional roles showed much appreciated love and commitment. Helen was a member of P.E.O. and enjoyed many happy hours playing bridge and golf at the Victoria Golf Club.
A Celebration of Life will be held at The Victoria Golf Club on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 2:00 pm. Flowers are gratefully declined but for those so wishing a donation to the C.N.I.B., 2340 Richmond Avenue, Victoria, BC, V8R 4R9 would be appreciated.
13 Responses
I am very sorry for your loss….I didn’t personally know Helen but her obituary came up while I was doing a family search. It sounds like she was a very impressive woman.
I believe she was related to us. Please reply so we can possibly see if we have found our family….we don’t know a lot about my fathers side so I would be very excited to know we have found you. My fathers name was Robert Harold Denny his father was Leonard Ellis Denny who married Effie Moore……Leonard had 2 sisters Lee and Zela Denny and 2 brothers John and Curtis Denny. They were from Lebanon Missouri I don’t know where my fathers family was before that. With deepest sympathy Ruth Marie Denny Summers
Dear Roy & Family:
Bob and I have been thinking of you all at this time. I will miss Helen at the bridge table, and sorry I couldn’t make the celebration of her life at the Golf Club.
Love to you all, Jane Rogers
Dear Roy and family,
While you were hard at work in the city, Helen’s door was always open with a smile for children. Inside, a warm fire awaited on cold days, lemonade and cookies on warm summer mornings. We played on under her watchful and kind guidance, secure in the knowledge that all was right with the world. Now that world is emptier. A beacon of your life and our childhood has become a memory – but a fine and loving one from which we should draw comfort and emulate with our own children.
You and your family are much in our hearts on this day.
Michael Scott-Harston