She said to her brother “don’t be afraid of death; it is just the beginning.” Helen believed strongly that she would be reunited with those that passed before her, including her beloved husband Gus Loubardeas, her parents Earl and Jean Buckley, her cousin Tommy, her late sister-in-law Hilda, her “rock” from younger years, Irma Walerius, and all her dogs, the last being princess Mimi. The reunion will be sweet. Helen was a strong believer that we have had many lives before this one and many to come. As a result of this spiritual resilience, she died of her own choosing, unafraid and surrounded by love, gratitude, music, laughter, and family.
Helen’s definition of family was inclusive – she leaves her daughter Deanne Loubardeas (Nicole), her older brother Doug Buckley (Sigrid) and their love of hot rods and French fries, brother-in-law Steve Loubardeas and his wife Janice, the Greek Aunties in Montreal, her long-time best friend and partner in crime, Joanne Fitz and family, her adventure coordinator and good friend Bronwyn and bonus “grandchild” Maeve.
Helen had a gift for being able to talk to anyone and everyone. This served her well as a lifelong restaurateur, but we do think she missed her calling as a detective, as she loved all the details and connections. She and Gus retired to Victoria in 2008 where she was a recognizable character in James Bay, especially the time sitting on “her” bench at 200 Douglas. Every dog was a good dog in Helen’s eyes and Helen was a treat angel in every dog’s eyes! After Gus’s passing she sampled independent living but craved being in the heart of a family. As such, she spent her final year and a half with “her girls.” She loved soaking up the sun, rolling doubles in Tavli (Every. Single. Time.), an occasional salted Caesar (no tabasco, double lime), and keeping us all up to date on world events, the weather forecast and the plot of Doc Martin. For such a kind, generous and tiny lady, she had a reputation for being a bit scrappy and in her own last words reminded us that “I was a real slugger!”
