Helen S. Vickers

With broken hearts, the family of Helen Shirley (Hanlon) Vickers of Saint John, N.B., announce her passing, which occurred on March 15th, 2023, at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Born October 31, 1936, in Saint John, Helen was the daughter of the late Edward and Eleanor (O'Neill) Hanlon.

Helen was the middle child of thirteen children. She never lived more than two miles away from her first home on Elm Street in the North End, but her kind and caring nature have had a far-reaching impact that she could never have imagined. Helen was known for her strong academic achievement, her beauty, and her constant positive outlook. She had a lifelong work ethic which began with caring for her siblings and working part-time at Driscoll’s Drug Store while studying at Mount Carmel. She eventually became secretary to the manager of James Robertson Ltd. Her life’s work really began, however, when she married the love of her life, Gerald Vickers, and devoted herself to raising five children. She managed to make this work look easy, but somehow the fridge was always full of homemade beef stew, or her special spaghetti sauce. There was never an empty cookie jar in Mom’s kitchen; on a slow day, there were only two types of fresh baked cookies on hand. The house was always crowded, and Mom made everyone who walked in the door feel special and appreciated.

Helen is survived by her children; Karen (Jon Bidgood), Anne (Dan Connolly), Kathleen, Paul (Virginia), and Jim; her 8 grandchildren Daniel (Julia), Adam, and Ben (Nora Robinson)  Connolly, Emily Vickers (John Burnham), Elizabeth and Thomas Vickers, Ellie and Gerry Bidgood; great grandchildren Sullivan and June Connolly; brothers Cyril (Pat), Paul (Eleanor), James (Mary) and Patrick (Sharron); sisters Doreen Marcon and Anne (Michael McNamara); as well as many nieces and nephews, a large number of much-loved godchildren and dear friends.

In addition to her parents, Helen was predeceased by her husband Gerald Vickers; brothers Gerard, Louis,  Maurice and Frank (aka Butch) and sisters Connie Winchester and Mary Conway; as well as many in-laws who were very dear to her.

Arrangements are under the care of Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road (646-2424) with visitation being held on Monday, March 20th from 2 to 6 p.m.  A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Holy Redeemer Church (316 Somerset St.) on Tuesday, March 21st at 1:30 p.m. followed by an interment at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

To view the service, please click on the following link: https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=7e0d8a76-d431-4cea-bcf9-253332cd11d4

Our family is very grateful for high level of ongoing support and care from Dr. Mary Jarratt and Cathy LeBlanc, and the exceptional kindness and professionalism of Dr. C. Mackin.  In lieu of flowers, donations to a charity of the donor’s choice would be gratefully appreciated. 

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