Obituary of Helen Marie Marsh (nee O'Neill), R.N., New Waterford

Helen Marie Marsh (nee: O'Neill), 61, of New Waterford, NS passed away January 20, 2024, with her loving husband and family by her side after a courageous struggle with cancer.

She was born to Gerald and Theresa O'Neill on June 7th, 1962 of Goulds, NL.

Helen began her career as a Registered Nurse at St. Clare's Mercy Hospital, St. John’s, NL. This started her on an esteemed 38 year career path through various roles in health care and nursing. Starting from the ICU at St. Clare’s, to the ICU at the Sydney City Hospital and the ER at New Waterford Consolidated Hospital, Helen had many jobs and employers in nursing in her career. Helen transitioned into Homecare where she spent the largest part of her career at the New Waterford Homecare Service Society. Starting as RN Supervisor in 1997, she eventually retired in 2021 as the Agency Director.

She also proudly served on many boards and committees in the province aimed at improving the delivery of health services to our communities. Most notably, she was the Chair of the Board for the Health Association of Nova Scotia (HANS). Helen had a profound sense of fulfillment from her career accomplishments; but more importantly, she cherished the many life-long friendships she made throughout those years.

In 1984, Helen met her future husband and best friend, Bruce. They started a life and family together in Goulds, NL before making New Waterford their home in 1990.

Helen was described by many as a vibrant amazing person, having a heart of gold and a wicked sense of humor. She always left a little kindness no matter where she went, lighting up the room with her presence, laughter, and infectious smile.

Helen took an enormous amount of pride and joy in supporting her three busy children through seemingly endless sports and activities. Becoming a grandmother was the beginning of a new and joyful chapter in her life.

Above all else, she adored the company and love of her husband, family and friends. She also enjoyed exploring new places while travelling the world, dancing, live music, watching football, knitting, camping and the outdoors. She truly lived her life to the absolute fullest.

Helen is survived by her husband, Bruce, her children; Katie Marsh, of Petawawa, David (Nicole) Marsh, of Edmonton, and Heather (Sean) Bignall, of Halifax. She is also survived by her mother, Theresa O'Neill; her brothers, Gerry (Sheila) O'Neill, Sean (Noreen) O'Neill; her sister, Bonnie (Johnny) O'Neill, all of Goulds, NL. Her beloved grandchildren; Theo, Oliver, Ruby, Zach, Taylor, Ashley; and fur baby, Tessa. She was blessed with a large extended family of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends both in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, all of whom Helen stayed closely connected with over the years. She was predeceased by her father, Gerald, and her father and mother-in-law, Karl and Marilyn Marsh.

We wish to extend our sincerest gratitude to Dr. Azer, all staff members of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital and EHS who cared for Helen. Especially the Palliative Care service, An Cala Unit, 4C, Dr. Lucas and the staff at the Cape Breton Cancer Centre.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 25 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. Funeral Mass and Celebration of Helen's life will be held on Friday, January 26 at 1 p.m. in the Parish Church of St. Leonard, Mount Carmel Avenue, with Father Jim Oliver officiating. Interment will be in Mount Carmel Cemetery with a reception to follow at the KOC, 3236 Plummer Ave, New Waterford. For a livestream of the Funeral Mass, please visit the following link:  https://meet.google.com/bjp-ipka-het. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the An Cala Palliative Care Unit or New Waterford Homecare Service Society. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca