Peacefully, on January 20th, 2022, at the Village of Humber Heights, Etobicoke in her 107th year, after a rich and fulfilling life.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 66 years, Robert (Bob) Oldham (1915-2005). The eldest of three siblings, she is also predeceased by her two sisters, Edith McClelland and Dr. Marian Packham CM.
Helen was born in Toronto and grew up in Weston. She studied household economics at the MacDonald Institute in Guelph and Household Science at U of T and subsequently worked as a dietitian in Depression-struggling Toronto. In 1939 she married Bob and they raised their family of three boys in Guelph, the UK and Toronto. In 1968 they moved to Vancouver for 9 years before returning to Toronto in 1977.
She quickly adapted to the challenges and opportunities following their move to the UK and later to Vancouver. She and Bob shared an interest in classical music, attending summer concerts by the TSO with the family and singing in their church choirs. They also enjoyed traveling, including trips to Europe, Australia and Japan. Helen enjoyed sewing and was a very skilled seamstress. One Christmas she made formal leather gloves for Bob and the boys.
Her faith and family were central throughout her life. She treasured family gatherings at the summer cottage on Lake Joseph as well as opportunities to host several of her grandchildren in their Toronto home. Her quiet cheerfulness and grace were hallmarks of her character.
Helen is survived by her three sons: James (Martha); Peter (Julia Turner); and Douglas (Anne). She had seven grandchildren: Linda Dowling (Mark); Alex (Samantha); Matthew (Sandy Georgette Aquilera); Luke (Mika Kosaki Oldham); Timothy (Lurene Bates); and Andrew (Lorraine Kwan) and Dr. Robyn Oldham. She was also the beloved great-grandmother of Paris Dowling, Nicholas, Brooke, and Sydney Oldham; Kalina and Theresa Oldham; David Oldham; Eva Oldham; and Jacob and Hannah Oldham.
Memorial donations would be gratefully accepted by The Scott Mission in Toronto and Doctors Without Borders. Helen was a long time supporter of those organizations.
Due to current restricts we must look forward to a memorial service at a future date with her friends and relatives.
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
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Bonnie and Gary Holloway
We would like to extend our sincere sympathy to all of the Oldham family in the passing of Helen. May you find confort in the many memories you made and shared together. Our thoughts are with you during this sad time.
Karyn Morris
I would like to extend my sympathies to Helen’s family for their loss.
What a remarkable lady.
She and my mother, Phyllis, were table mates a few years ago at Humber Heights.
This summer Mom really enjoyed seeing the lovely flowers at Helen’s doorway.
Although very soft spoken Helen always had a warm smile to share.
She will be missed.
Ginny Cowan
I was a just a young girl when the Oldhams lived next door to us in Guelph. I really didn’t know her but always thought she was so elegant. I did know her sons and extend my deepest sympathy to them. Ginny Cowan
David Barnum
Dear Peter, Jim and Doug,
Many years ago I remember being a regular visitor to the Oldham home. In a very rudimentary way, I came to know your mother. She always treated me with grace and an even temperament, despite the fact I came from a household that was quite different to yours.
What a life your mother had. Now you are faced with an ending which although you knew was forthcoming may be still leave you bereft. May you experience gratitude and comfort knowing in the words of the Book of Common Prayer, that perpetual light shines upon her.
Mark Aitchison
Dear Family of Helen and Bob; When I was called to the position of Sr Minister at Islington United in 1993, your father Bob was the secretary of the Search Committee. In confidence, he told me in a letter that he was “rooting for me” and that by coincidence, his wife, shared a family name with me. When we arrived at Islington and Helen met my family, including three sons, Andrew, James, and Stephen, her eyes twinkled and lit up when she told me that her father was James Aitchison. My son James, who now works at IUC as a pastoral care minister told me about visiting Helen sometime in the last few months, and she told him that story again. He showed her his Driver’s Licence, so she could see his name in print. My experience of your Mother was that she was a gentle, principled, kind, faith-filled, and loving woman who thought the world of her family, especially her three sons. I wish you all well as you celebrate her remarkable, long life. You will miss her for sure, and I trust that your wonderful memories will make saying goodbye easier. God bless you all.
Dr Bob Sexton
I remember Helen (& Bob) well as they were patients of my dental practice for many years. As a member of Islington United Church, I always saw them at services. I particularly remember Helen as being so calm and always willing to chat in her own quiet way. My daughter who is in her late 40’s and was in the junior choirs at IUC remembered them when I told her about Helen’s passing. My thoughts are with all the family at this difficult time.
Claire Schofield
Dear Peter and siblings – sadly, I never met your mother but heard about her often through Peter. She sounded like a redoubtable and a very special person. Her obituary is impressive and speaks so much to who she was, a long life well lived and her accomplishments. She was clearly a lady ahead of her time!
Saying a final goodbye is so hard but I’m sure you’ll all hold her close in your hearts and treasure the many wonderful memories of your time while she was on this earth!
Many blesses!