Helen Jean (Hamilton) Ricci, 76

Peacefully on May 5, 2003 Helen Jean (Hamilton) Ricci graduated into glory to be with her Lord and Savior.
Helen was born on July 25, 1926 in Rainy River to Vern and Mary Rose Hamilton. She spent her childhood in Rainy River and after completing high school she attended Normal School in Toronto where she earned her Teachers’ Certificate.
Helen returned to Rainy River and after a brief and whirlwind courtship she married her best friend Lenard Ricci on March 27, 1948.
Throughout the years Helen taught at Atwood #12, #3, Blue and St. Michael’s in Rainy River where she eventually became the Principal. She was active in the Kinette Club, Women’s Institute, Christian Women’s Club and many other special interest groups, especially when her children were involved. Helen had many hobbies including curling, sewing, knitting, bird watching, bible studies, fishing and of course crosswords. Her special love was camping with her family beside a lake with a pot of coffee brewing on the campfire. Other favorite times include Christmas’s, family gatherings and any excuse for a party. Later in life Helen and Len enjoyed ten winters as “Snow Birds” in Texas where they met many life-long friends.
Helen’s special love of her life, besides her husband, were her children and ultimately her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is survived by children Donald (Lou), Rainy River; Christine (Gary) Armstrong, Rainy River; Bradley (Marilyn), Atikokan; Marty (Randy) Sisk, Page, Arizona; Corey (Darryl) Dyck, Rainy River; Karen (Gordon Craig) Ricci, Winnipeg; John (Cindy), Rainy River. Helen was also blessed with 24 grandchildren and many great grandchildren.
Also surviving is Helen’s sister Margaret Thompson, Fort Frances: sisters-in-law Margaret (John) Peterson, Rainy River; Phyllis Kreger, Rainy River; Lois Helder, Morson; Fran Hamilton, Kamloops, BC; brothers-in-law Earl (Liz) Ricci, Penticton, BC; Ross Peterson, Bergland; and Wilf Hendrickson, Rainy River. Also many nieces and nephews.
Helen was predeceased by her parents, sisters Madeleine, Verene, Rosemary, brother Joe and brother-in-law Victor and sister-in-law Shirley Bell.
Helen acquired many titles throughout her life: wife, mother, grandmother great grandmother, teacher, confidant and friend. Most important was her love for her family and for her Lord, Jesus Christ.
Throughout the last days of Helen’s life she continued to care lovingly for her family. She also continued to teach us the attributes of grace, acceptance, humility and dignity with a sense of humour.
We will always love her and will never forget the lessons of life she so adamantly strived to teach.
One of her favourite poems is as follows.
“I am Not There”
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there,
I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn’s rain.
When you awaken in the mornings hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight,
I am the soft stars that shine at night,
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die.
A celebration of Helen’s life took place at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Rainy River, Ontario with Pastor Gordon Armstrong and Pastor Mark Mast officiating on Saturday, May 10, 2003 commencing at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers in memoriam donations may be made to the Rainy River Hospital, Box 236, Rainy River, ON, POW 1L0