ORMISTON, Helen Joan Ormiston

She passed away peacefully, in her sleep, at Hillsdale Estates, Oshawa, On, Saturday, April 18, 2026. Helen will join her lifelong friend, Pat Foster, with their Heavenly Father.

Helen Joan Ormiston was born in Brooklin, ON, to James and Mena (Alice) Ormiston February 18th, 1934. Helen spent her entire career looking after others as a nurse. She taught nursing at Toronto General Hospital for 15 years. When she retired after nearly 50 years of nursing she moved to Oshawa and helped with the gift shop at Lakeridge hospital. Yearly, Helen and Pat would pack suitcases full of baby and children’s clothes, along with toys, climb on a Greyhound bus and head to the orphanage in Thunder Bay to deliver these gifts to special children. While nursing at Toronto General they would visit every room at Christmas, and if any room was not decorated, they would bring in decorations for each room so everyone could be blessed with the Christmas spirit. They truly were saints.

Helen was a strong Christian believer and would pray for everyone’s needs. She was a longstanding member of First Baptist Church. She would often encourage staff members to join her for church services at Hillsdale. She was always trying to share the gospel.

Before the Parkinson’s took away her mobility, she enjoyed family outings to Traditions, Haugen’s, Teddy’s, Dairy Queen, and the family household dinners with her cousins. Her biggest love was playing the piano. She played at many special occasions, including the Royal York Hotel, for Mrs. R.S. Mclaughlin at Parkwood Estates, Carnegie Hall, and her lodge meetings. Her friend Pat would often accompany her with her talented vocals.

Helen and Pat enjoyed vacation time at Windermere Lodge, as well as travels with her church group to Alaska, Hawaii, adventures to Europe and a memorable trip to Martha’s Vineyard. Helen received many awards and honors from the Kinoven Rebekah Lodge and the Oshawa Hospital Ladies’ Auxiliary.

Helen spent nearly 4 years at Extendicare Oshawa before transferring to Hillsdale Estates. She loved Wednesday afternoon bingo with her friend Ryan, and by the stash of Aero chocolate bars in her dresser, she must have been good at it. She also loved the Sunday afternoon gospel hour in the auditorium where she would keep beat to the music and remind us if a note was off key. She loved Icy and Penelope’s visits and how they loved to lick her hands and feet each time they visited, and how much they loved to curl up and sleep on her bed.

Helen had a personality that attracted people to her. Staff would stop by and give her a big hug everyday and say, “remember I’m your favorite”. She had so many, but she wanted them to know just how special each and every one was to her. She had a few favourites and they know who they are.

The family would like to thank Dr. Syed and the entire staff of Strawberry Fields for the amazing care they provided over the years.

Helen will be deeply missed by many family members and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the McINTOSH-ANDERSON-KELLAM FUNERAL HOME LTD., 152 King St. E., Oshawa (905-433-5558) on Friday, April 24, 2026, for visitation from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m. The service will take place in the funeral home chapel at 12 p.m. Interment Groveside Cemetery, 5155 Baldwin Street, Brooklin (Whitby) ON.

Donations in memory of Helen to the Gananoque District Humane Society, Speaking of Dogs Rescue Program, Parkinson’s Canada, Canadian Bible Society, or a charity of your choice would be deeply appreciated.