Obituary of Helen M. McCluskey

Helen Marie McCluskey passed away peacefully at the Passamaquoddy Lodge in St. Andrews on Wednesday, the 16th of October 2019, at the age of 75. She was born on the 27th of December,1943 in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Helen is survived by her husband of 51 years, William McCluskey, daughter, Krista and son, Michael and three grandchildren Shae-Lynn, Sophia and William, to whom she was known as “Nana”. Helen was predeceased by her parents Marie and James Callaghan and sister Zita Callaghan and survived by her sisters Pattie Moody, Mary Callaghan and Frances Callaghan. Helen graduated from the St. Joseph’s School of Nursing and received a diploma in public health nursing from Dalhousie University and, with a keen interest in furthering her professional development, earned a Bachelor of Nursing from the University of New Brunswick in 1998. In the same year, Helen was honoured with the NANB Excellence in Clinical Practice award. Helen’s approach to her role as a public health nurse was widely recognised for the respect and compassion she gave to all the families she visited. In additional to her professional career, Helen believed in the positive impact that could be made from community volunteering. She held voluntary roles with seemingly endless energy, including being a board member for the Charlotte County Children’s Program, Hospice of Charlotte, Ross Memorial Library, Charlotte County Family Resource Centre and Blacks Harbour Curling and Figure Skating Clubs. She was also integral to establishing the Silent Witness Project and played an active role with Charlotte County Family Violence, Big Brothers & Sisters and the Food Bank. Helen enjoyed golf and tennis, was an avid reader and bridge player and loved long walks anywhere, but especially around the point in St. Andrews and on the beaches in Florida. Helen will be remembered for her kindness, lovely sense of humour and genuine warmth. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend and made a positive contribution to the lives of many. Cremation has taken place. The family held a small,private gathering to celebrate her life. A very special thank you is given to all of the people who helped care for Helen at the Passamaquoddy Lodge. Helen’s family are grateful for their support over the last four years. Donations in memory may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada