Helen Manary

          It is with deep heartfelt sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Helen Manary on Monday August 24, 2026, at the age of 84.  Helen was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.  She was a woman with a creative spirit and a heart that always had room for family and friends.

          Helen was predeceased by her husband, Carl Manary (2018), with whom she shared many loving years while raising their five children; her joyful companion, Len Padyk (2021), who brought much love, laughter, fun, and travel into her later years; and her youngest daughter, Karen Klassen (2000).  She was also predeceased by her father Jack Colford (1994), her mother Carrie Rowe (1986), her stepmother Violet Colford (2013), and her brothers Wayne and Jan Colford (Beth).

          Helen was the devoted mother of Lesa Kirk, Lori Manary, Jeff Manary (Brenda), and Sherry Welsh (Peter), and stepmother to Michael (Shay), Lisa (Perry), and Rob (Kathleen) Padyk.  She was a much-loved grandmother to Jesse Rose, Jenny Stanley (Brett), Josh (Jenn), Cody (Taylor), Lynn Manary, Eric White (Amber), Matt, Chris, Anissa Welsh, Amanda (Juanita), Danielle Klassen, and Jolene Katryniuk.  She will be lovingly remembered by her siblings, Yvonne LaValley, Robert, and Paula Colford, along with her 16 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, extended family, friends, and her beloved kitty Barney.

          Born in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Helen spent her early childhood there, carrying the warmth and spirit of the East Coast with her throughout her life.  At the age of six, she and her father moved from St. John’s to Welland, Ontario, where they joined the Feduck family.  In her early teens, Helen’s journey took her to the Williams family homestead and the tobacco fields of Frogmore.  It was there that a handsome young man soon caught her eye.  A few years later, Helen married young man Carl, and together they built a life and raised their five children on their tobacco farm in Walsingham.  Her family was always at the heart of her life, and she took great pride in the people they became.

          Helen was an artist at heart and had a natural eye for beauty.  She enjoyed photography, painting, gardening, and was a talented seamstress with a fantastic sense of style.  She was a beauty herself and carried that same flair and creativity into everything she did.  Helen and her friends enjoyed road trips along the Lake Erie coastline.  They explored hidden gems, abandoned houses, antique shops, and places that made each adventure memorable.  Music was another great love of Helen’s, with Gordon Lightfoot being a particular favourite.  She enjoyed local jam sessions, where music, friendship, and laughter came together.

          Helen lived a full and colourful life, surrounded by family, friends, music, creativity, laughter, and love.  She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, but the memories she created and the love she gave will remain with her family and friends forever.  Rest peacefully, Helen.  You will always be loved, always be remembered, and never be forgotten.

          A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday October 17, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m. at Woodlawn Community Centre, 225420 Otterville Rd., Otterville, Ontario.  Memorial donations to the Lions Camp Dorset are appreciated. 

          A special thank you to Dr. K, Dr. Nagrani, and the nurses in the ICU at Norfolk General Hospital for their care and compassion. 

Wareing Cremation Services, 161 Broadway St., Tillsonburg, Ontario has been entrusted with Final Arrangements.  Your messages of remembrance and condolence may be shared at www.wareingcremation.ca