Do you believe in fairies? Helen Elizabeth Mackenzie did.
Born on October 31, 1939, raised in Clephanton, Scotland, Helen always found the spiritual world intriguing. Fantasy creatures inhabited her home, and she was always up for a good ghost story.
Being born on Halloween, she fancied herself a witch, but her most magical spell was the love she cast on her family.
Some of the most fond memories Helen held were of her time spent in nursing training as a young woman in Inverness. She often recalled stories of dancing late into the night and wonderful times with her nursing friends.
This lively young woman found the love of her life in Doctor Hugh Niven Mackenzie. A true gentleman, he convinced her to marry him at a train station with flowers in his hand. How could she refuse?
The two immigrated to Canada together and began their new life, first in Saskatchewan, and later in Powell River. Here, they raised two loving boys, Malcolm Bruce and William Graham Mackenzie.
Never one to sit idle, Helen not only loved working as an experienced nurse, but also volunteered as a cross-country ski patroller, amongst many other pursuits. The family was active, spending time sailing, skiing, horse riding and adventuring around the world. Over 50 years of marriage and two grandchildren later, Hugh sadly passed away in December 2018.
Helen continued her busy social life with her adoring dog Coco, often seen at the Powell River genealogy club and various local restaurants and businesses.
Not only her family and friends, but also the entire soul of Powell River felt the loss when Helen passed away peacefully on August 24, 2024. She was predeceased by Hugh and elder son Malcolm. She is survived by her brother Jimmy Glennie and loving family: Graham, Erin, Cindy, Ariel and Maisy Mackenzie, as well as her many, many loving friends.
The family would like to thank the staff at qathet General Hospital and Kiwanis Garden Manor for their help and kindness in caring for Helen. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind or a charity of your choice.
A celebration of life will be planned for the summer of 2025.
