In Memory of Helena Vesely

Come my little angel, come rest your head and sleep…       

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear friend, mentor, mother, grandmother and wife, Helena Vesely.

Helena was born on May 21, 1947, in Prague – then Czechoslovakia. In the mid-sixties, she studied Library and Information at the prestigious Charles University in Prague. After the invasion of Czechoslovakia by Soviet led armies on August 21, 1968, her then boyfriend Ladislav (nicknamed Ike, a student of electrical engineering at the CVUT in Prague) became involved in the student resistance. Being threatened by severe persecution, Ike had to leave the country and emigrated to Canada. In a display of true love, Helena left her relatively comfortable student life and trusted herself to the uncertainty of resettling in Canada.

Helena continued her studies and received her Masters of Library Science from Western University in London, Ontario. This was followed by a degree in Adult Education from St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia. 

In 1975, Helena and Ike welcomed their first son Martin Marek, and in 1978 their second son Philip Daniel, who both loved her unconditionally. Helena’s greatest joy was being a mother to Martin (later marrying Arwen Cowley-Owen) and Philip (later marrying Allison Delaney) and helping to bring up the next successful generation.

Helena was a proud and loving grandmother to Austin (Breanna), Hannah, Alexander, and Andrew. They will all miss her dearly.

Multiple bouts with COVID, in combination with the onset of Parkinson’s caused a slow and steady decline of her physical health. Helena put up a heroic fight, not letting anyone know the extent of her suffering. Finally, after several bouts with pneumonia her body came to rest, her devoted husband faithfully by her side.

Helena is predeceased by her parents, brother, and sister. Sociable and good-natured, she was beloved by her extended family in the Czech Republic and was a cherished friend to many. 

The family would like to thank the medical staff at the Montfort Hospital for their compassion and support.

We will celebrate Helena’s beautiful life on Sunday, August 13th at the Roy G. Hobbs Community Centre from 2-4pm. Friends and family welcome. For those wishing, memorial donations to The Montfort Hospital or to Parkinson Canada are appreciated in lieu of flowers.

Come my little angel, come rest your head and sleep….