Hellen Marjorie Taylor

With family by her side, Hellen passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at the age of 89, after a brief illness.

Born September 3, 1936, on the family farm near Watrous, Saskatchewan. Hellen was the third youngest of six children born to Kenneth and Pearl Taylor. Hellen had a busy childhood playing with her siblings and helping with the chores around the farm. She attended a one-room school in the Kilmory School District south-east of Watrous. She then attended high school in Watrous completing her Grade 11. In early 1956, Hellen took a big step and moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba at the urging of her Aunt Florence. She boarded in Winnipeg and worked at a few odd jobs while waiting to get into business school, including Ushering at the Manitoba Theatre Centre and retail grocery sales. She would later be joined in Winnipeg by her younger sister, Margaret. After Business school, Hellen found secretarial work at Canadian General Insurance Company. Her spare time was spent taking voice lessons, hanging out with friends and taking in some Blue Bomber games. In the Fall of 1963, Hellen moved back to Saskatchewan spending some time with her parents in Dubuc before moving to Regina in early 1964 to return to work. She found office employment in the Saskatchewan Department of Agriculture and at R.J. Fife Equipment. But it wasn’t until a secretarial/clerk position opened up in the Saskatchewan Legislative Library that Hellen found a job she truly loved. She was in her glory working with books, and other forms of printed information. She remained in this position for 11 years before having to retire early as her hands would no longer allow her to type. Hellen decided to retire to Melville, SK purchasing a home and settling into life in a quiet little city. Hellen sang in the First United Church Choir, worked for the Melville City Library Board, and was a member of the Melville Art Club. She enjoyed working in her garden and feeding the various birds that found refuge in her yard. In 2015, Hellen needed a change and made the move to Yorkton. But in 2023, another change was in order and decided to move back to Manitoba and took up residence in Brandon. She was still close to family as she had two nieces and their families living in the Brandon area. It didn’t take her long to settle in. She could always be found at the city library or the local bookstores keeping up with the latest in literature.

Hellen’s love of books and reading continued in her retirement right up to just before her passing. It truly was a passion! Hellen had made many long-time friends from her years working in the Legislative Library. She would always write letters to her friends and family. Some of Hellen’s travelling highlights included attending Expo 67 in Montreal with Margaret, Lake Winnipeg excursions, touring the Maritime Provinces with her Niece, Susan, and travelling to the United Kingdom with some of her co-worker friends. Hellen’s other hobbies included gardening in her big garden in Melville, knitting, sewing, and doing some sketches and watercolors (many of her cat, Callie). Next to books, Hellen’s other love was cats. There was always a cat in her life whether on the farm or in her own home. In Melville, Hellen would host a pre-Christmas gift exchange at her home for the family. Hellen’s home was a central gathering place for family members who travelled from around Saskatchewan and Brandon to visit just before Christmas. Many great memories were made at these gatherings. Eventually the Christmas gatherings came to an end, but she would continue to attend Thanksgiving or Easter gatherings, and other various family events as time and health would allow. Hellen could hold her own in discussions about politics, analyze the latest literature, and keep up with the latest news headlines. She had a very witty sense of humour and could catch you off guard if you were not paying attention. Hellen cared a lot about others and nature, regularly donating to various charities. She was always her own person and never waivered from her convictions. We will all cherish those conversations and visits.

Hellen was predeceased by her parents, Kenneth and Pearl (Owens) Taylor, Sisters - Doreen (Ken) Harris and Edna (John) Blackport; Brothers – Gordon (Mildred) Taylor and Newton (Eileen) Taylor; Brother-in-Law Neil MacKenzie, and Nephew – James MacKenzie.

Hellen is survived by her Sister, Margaret Taylor; Nieces – Charlene (Jim Brown) MacKenzie, Lori (Terry) Fogg, Susan Harris, and Shannon (Tim) Mayo; Nephew – James Taylor; Great-Nephews – Neil Nichol, T.J. (Natasha) Fogg, Logan Fogg, Kyle Harris, Tyler Mayo, and Parker Mayo; Great-Nieces – Lauretta (Kelly) Stephens, Crystal (Dennis Smith) MacKenzie, and Jennifer Brown. Also, several Great-Great Nieces and Nephews.

Cremation has taken place as per Hellen’s wishes and the family will honour her memory privately at a later date. Donations in memory of Hellen may be made to a charity of choice.