Obituary of Helena Wijnandina (Helen/Leny) Jol (nee Toet)

After a life of love and laughter, Helen (Leny) died peacefully at home surrounded by family on Friday, February 3^rd, at the age of 96.

Predeceased by her husbands and best friends, Albert (Al) Jol (1991) and Tom McConnell (2010). Loving mother of Carol Elaine and her husband Michael Murphy, proud and loving “Oma” of Zachary and Saph/Christopher Murphy. Predeceased by her brother, Walter Toet (Lea), sister -in-law, Nel Noordervliet-Jol and brother-in-law, Wim Jol.  Aunt of Sherry (Dave).  Close friend of Jennifer Moore.

Helen was born in The Netherlands on Saturday, January 8, 1927 and left her hometown of Scheveningen in 1959, together with her husband Albert, to settle in Ottawa.  She worked as a pharmacist, first at the Ottawa Civic Hospital and later at the Salvation Army Grace General Hospital.  After her retirement in 1993, she devoted a large part of her life to volunteer work with seniors and as a board member of various organizations.  She was recognized with an Ontario Volunteer Award.  Helen travelled extensively, enjoyed music as well as the arts, loved knitting and embroidering and was an avid reader.  Her love for her daughter, Carol, and her family was always uppermost in her thoughts and deeds.

A gathering to celebrate Helen’s life will be held on March 20, 2023 from 2:30pm - 4:30pm with words of remembrance at 3:30pm.  For those who wish to honour Helen with a memorial donation, please consider the Canadian Tulip Legacy.

My love for you will never die.  I love you, Mom.

MIjn liefde voor u zal ik nooit worden vergeten.  Ik hou van je, Mam.