Obituary of Helen Irene Oliver, New Waterford

It is with sadness that we, the family, announce the peaceful passing of Helen Irene Oliver, 65, of New Waterford on Monday, April 22, 2019 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital surrounded by her loving family. She endured a short but courageous battle with cancer.

Born in New Waterford, she was a daughter of the late William and Elizabeth (Peckham) Kavanaugh.

In earlier years, Helen was employed in Toronto and later moved home to work at the G.I. Plant. She also worked at Reeves in River Ryan and lastly in the housekeeping department at the New Waterford Hospital. Helen was known as a social butterfly who enjoyed darts, Friday night cards with the girls and going to The Loop. During her illness, she remained strong and continued to put others first. She truly loved life and will be missed by all.

Surviving are her husband of 27 years, J.B. Oliver; daughters, Karen (Troy) MacLeod, Lana (Patrick) Lamey; stepdaughters, Lindy (Liam) Holland, Kristen (Andrew) Quinn; stepson, Stephen (Ellen MacDonald) Oliver; son-in-law, Ricky Lee; sister, Rachel (Dan MacQuarrie) MacLellan; grandchildren, who looked up to her and greatly admired her strength, Katelyn (Brennan), Emily (Angelo), Claire, Taylor, Stephen, Christopher, Abbeylyn, Robyn, Allie, and Charlie; great-grandsons, whom she adored, Milo, Aiden and Declan; her beloved cat, Oliver as well as many nieces and nephews. 

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her daughter, Tracy Lynn Lee; brother, Willie Kavanaugh and sister, Betty McDougall.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 24, 2019 from 6-9 p.m. in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. A Funeral Mass of celebration will take place on Thursday, April 25 at 10 a.m. in the Parish Church of St. Leonard, Mount Carmel Avenue, with Father Ray Huntley officiating. Burial will be in St. Michael's Cemetery, River Ryan, with a luncheon to follow at St. Leonard's Parish Hall, Convent Street, New Waterford. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca. 

A special thank you to the staff at the IMCU and Palliative Care Unit at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital for all their professional care and compassion during this difficult time. It is greatly appreciated.