WESTRA, Helen Westra

With great sadness, we regret to announce the passing of Helen (Hillegonda) Westra (née Deelstra), on Monday, December 22nd, 2025, at Woodingford Lodge in Ingersoll.

Helen lived a life focused on family and faith. An avid philanthropist and volunteer for many charities, including the Red Cross, she always made time to help others.

Helen will be deeply missed by her husband, Gary (Gerrit) and her children: Alan (Jessica), Harold (Murrielle), Dean, and daughter Sharon (Chris), as well as her grandchildren Scott (Serena), Megan, Vivian, Gerrit, and Dakota, and great-grandchildren Gerrit, Iris, and Lennon. She will also be missed by her siblings Seine, Foekje, Edwin, Eddie, and Ida, sister-in-law Jenny and many nieces and nephews.

Helen was born in Friesland, Netherlands in 1940 and met her husband Gary in Canada in 1958. They were married for 65 years. A dedicated mother and homemaker, Helen was also active in her church, The Community of Christ, where she served as a Priest and Treasurer.

Visitors will be welcomed at the Smith-LeRoy Chapel of the Glendinning Funeral Home Ltd., 69 Wellington Street N., Woodstock, on Thursday, January 8th, 2026. Visitation will take place from 1 to 1:45 pm., followed by a service at 2 pm.

Those unable to attend may view Helen’s service via live stream: Click here to view service. Event starts at 2:00 p.m. Please pre-register by clicking on the link. For technical assistance please call 1-877-895-2739 or email info@fmnceremonies.com

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Jenny Westra and the outstanding staff at Woodingford Lodge, Ingersoll, for all their care, concern, and kindness during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Society would be appreciated. Personal condolences may be shared at www.smithleroy.com.