Obituary of Helen Ann Wood (Ritchie)

It is with deep sadness that the family of Helen Ann (Ritchie) Wood announces her passing. Helen was born in Saint John on October 8, 1924 and she passed away peacefully at the Oromocto Special Care Home on Monday, November 26, 2018. She was reunited in heaven with the love of her life William Donald Wood. Helen was predeceased by her parents Jessie (McIntyre) and Lucien Ritchie, siblings Jessie, Lucien, Bob, Struan, Winnie, Michael, Rosemarie, and Eileen. Each day with Helen was a beautiful gift and we are thankful that she lived a long and full life. Survived by her children Ann Marie Wood-Seems (Dan Seems) of Fredericton, NB and Mary Louise Wood (Wilmer Navarro Moina) of Callao, Peru; grandsons Zachary Wood-Seems of Thunder Bay Ontario, Alexandre Wood-Seems and Yannick Wood-Seems of Fredericton, NB; siblings Arnold (Rosalie) Ritchie, Betty Hill, Mary Lou McEvoy and Jim (Eunice) Ritchie; several nieces and nephews as well as cousins. Helen will be fondly remembered by family and friends. She was a lady’s lady with a great sense of humour and lived her life with style and grace. Her faith was strong and she was actively involved in her church (St. Vincent de Paul) volunteering on parish council and being an active member of the CWL (Catholic Women’s League). She was a significant contributor to her community and was always willing to lend a hand, contributing her time to many charitable organizations. She loved a great game of bridge and just about any other card game and enjoyed playing dominoes and doing puzzles. She could pick strawberries like no one else and never seemed to tire. She spent many summers at one of her favourite places, Wood Haven cottage in White’s Cove, where she loved to entertain family and friends. Most of all, her family was of utmost importance to her. She travelled the world visiting many parts of Canada, United States, Europe and Mexico. Helen was employed for the majority of her career by the Town of Oromocto as the Mayor’s secretary and retired from that position in 1989. She was also employed as a civilian at Base Gagetown which brought her from Saint John to Oromocto where she met her husband. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 30th, 2018 at the Oromocto Funeral Home from 2 – 4 pm & 7 – 9 pm. Her funeral will be held at St. Vincent de Paul Parish Oromocto on Saturday, December 1st, 2018 at 3 pm. Special thanks to the team at the Oromocto Special Care Home, Dr. Bea Sainz and the palliative care team for their love and wonderful care. In lieu of flowers, donations to a charitable organization of your choice would be appreciated.