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Helen Irene (Atwater) Whalen

1933-2021

Helen Irene (Atwater) Whalen

Helen Irene (Atwater) Whalen - 88, of New Minas, passed away Monday, July 26th, 2021 at the Soldiers Memorial Hospital in Middleton. Born in Port Williams, Kings County on March 6th, 1933, she was the daughter of the late Howard and Elsie (Corkum) Atwater.

Helen married the love of her life, Gordon Whalen, in 1955. She worked as a hairdresser, operating her own hair salon in the family home. For Helen, this was the best of both worlds as it enabled her to be home with her boys while contributing financially to the family. In later years, her love of connecting with people found Helen serving product samples in various grocery stores in the valley. Helen was a caring sister, loving wife and proud mother to her boys. Throughout her life she was a caregiver to many, providing comfort, lodging and love to all that needed it.

Gordie and Helen spent many happy times travelling with their boys in the family camper. The family took several pleasure trips, as well, to railway sites connected to Gordie’s employment with the Dominion Atlantic Railway. They always strived to keep the family together even when Gordie’s job took him away from home.

In her retirement, Helen enjoyed time spent with Gordie, family and friends at their cottage in Baxter Harbour. Helen would often reminisce about the good times she shared with her sister, Jean, from their various bus trips throughout Canada and the United States.

Helen was a past member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Kentville Lodge; New Minas 50 Plus Club and served in several capacities with the Kentville Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.

In addition to her parents, Helen was predeceased by her husband of 53 years, Gordon Whalen, in 2008. She was the last surviving sibling out of seven children; brothers, Wylie, Ralph, Murray, Donald and Jerry Atwater; sister, Jean Norman.

Helen is survived by her three sons, Eric, New Minas; Brian (Pamela Davison), Coldbrook; and Bruce (Sandy Starratt), New Minas; sisters in law, Margaret Rose Horsnell, Wolfville; and Elizabeth Atwater, Coldbrook.

Cremation has taken place. As it was Gordie and Helen’s wish to be buried together, at the same time, there will be a private burial service for both at the Lakeview Cemetery, Lakeville, Kings County at a later date. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville.

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Burial Date
Private family graveside service
Burial Time
At a Later Date
Burial Location
Lakeview Cemetery, Lakeville, Kings County, NS

Requested Charity
Charity of your choice