Obituary of Helen Christina McKinnon

With deep love and sadness, we announce the passing of Helen Christina (Keeling) McKinnon, who left us peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, at the age of 83 on April 10, 2026.

Our beloved Mom was a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many.  She was predeceased by her parents, Samuel and Ethel Keeling; her infant brother, Ralph Keeling; her brother, Samuel Keeling; and her sister, Mary Stapleton. 

She is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Ralph McKinnon; her children, Jim McKinnon (Odette), Darlene Kilbride (Mike), Kelly Marsh (Stephen), Bruce McKinnon (Lois), Dwain McKinnon (Karen); her grandchildren Christina (Reuben), Danielle (Jean-Pascal), Mickal (Jamie), Bruce (Chelsea), Dustin (Melissa), Ashley, Jake (Jamie), Mandy (Janson), Ryan (Gina), Rebecca (Jordan), Cody, Amanda (Devin), Lindsay (Craig), Zackery; her great- grandchildren Emma, Kori, Madison, Hudson, Arwen, Layla, Isabelle, Ryker, Peyton, Hollie, Jace, Colt, Jackson, Nola, Oaklynn, Sadie; her sisters, Edna MacDonald and Anne Marie MacCormick; her brother, Patrick Keeling; as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, and friends who were touched by her warmth, wisdom, and gentle (but fierce) spirit. Mom was raised on her beloved Cape Breton Island, where she lived until she married Dad. Together, they shared an adventurous military life that took them across Canada and overseas, where they raised their five children, built lasting friendships, and eventually returned to Oromocto to retire.

Mom had a special gift for making people feel welcome. She cared deeply for others and made a lasting impact on everyone who knew her. Throughout her life, she found joy in music, dancing, bowling, and travelling, but she especially loved spending time with her family. She rocked and kissed many babies, and they all treasured their time with their Gram, especially the “do-de-do’s.”

She was a faithful member of St. Mary’s Catholic Women’s League (CWL) for over 50 years and was a recipient of the Katherine McCrossin award for her dedication. She was instrumental in maintaining the CWL and especially enjoyed the Christmas outings that entertained seniors. Her involvement in TOPS since the early 1980s was also important to her. She worked hard to maintain her goals there and treasured the friendships she made.  Mom also volunteered in various roles over the years at schools and community events, walked annually in the Relay for Life, and canvassed for many different charities.  The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to all the staff at Windsor Court and DECH for their compassionate care and support

Visitation will be held at the Oromocto Funeral Home on Thursday, April 16 from 6–8 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, April 17 at 12 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Base Gagetown, NB. Interment will follow the Mass at the Oromocto Pioneer Gardens Cemetery with a reception held afterwards at The Days Inn, Oromocto. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Liver Canada in Helen’s memory. For those who were unable to attend the service, a recording can be viewed at the following link: https://vimeo.com/1184235265/1739b06d76?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

Though we mourn Mom’s passing, we celebrate a life beautifully lived and a love that will remain with us always. Within hours of her passing, her seventeenth great-grandchild, Esmée Avril Comeau, was born, a tender reflection of the circle of life—something that Mom would have cherished immensely!