Syer, Helen
January 27, 1929 ~ March 9, 2024
Helen Margaret Syer of Petrolia died peacefully with her family by her side at Bluewater Health in Sarnia after a brief illness. Helen was predeceased by her husband Lyle in 2014. Beloved and caring mother to Arnold (Ruth) Syer and Christine (Lee) Bright. She was the only daughter of the late Robert and Kate McLean. She was predeceased by her only sibling, Cameron McLean. Devoted grandmother to Erin (Bren) Horwood, Jim (Stacy) Bright, Kami (Will) Wilson, Kevin (Natalie) Syer, Jen (Corey) Leckie. Proud Great-Ma to Noah, Ava, Spencer, Alivia, Max, Parker, Kingston, Rachael, Kurtis, Harrison, Violet, Lilliana and Cooper.
Helen was a very reserved woman with an unwavering devotion to her children, 5 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Mother was educated as a teacher and maintained a lifelong connection with her high school and normal school friends. Her faith was dear to her heart and was evident by her steady attendance in church or viewing the services on TV. Her handmade quilts, aprons, potholders and oven mitts, knitted hats and mitts for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren will be forever treasured. She had a memory that amazed everyone. She was able to recall dates and events of many important moments in her lifetime that left most of us in awe. Mother always remembered each family member’s birthday with a card and a handwritten note to let you know that you were special to her.
The family would like to express their thanks to her niece Laurie Syer for the weekly FaceTime calls to their mother that meant so much to her. Also, we want to thank her niece and nephew, Wendy and Doug McLean and their family for their love and visits.
GRAVESIDE SERVICE
A graveside service for family and friends will be held at 11 AM Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Hillsdale Cemetery. The service will not be lengthy but please feel free to bring a chair should you need to sit.
RECEPTION
Everyone is welcome to a reception at St. Paul’s United Church Christian Education Centre, 4169 Petrolia Street, Petrolia immediately following the service.
DONATIONS
Sympathy may be expressed through donations to St. Paul’s United Church or the charity of your choice.
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Condolences (25)
A Guide to Death Care in Ontario
Sending our sincere condolences.
Jeff Stevens and Kim White
Dear Arn, Ruth and family, please accept our most sincere condolences on the loss of your mother and grandmother. Thinking of you as you reflect upon your favourite memories.
Arn & Ruth, Chris & Lee and families,
I have many good memories of growing up in Oil City and the Syer family living next to the school. Helen was always very welcoming and friendly when we visited their home. I know you will have many fond memories to help you through this sad time. Sending our sympathy.
Thinking of all the Syer Families at this difficult time. I’ve known Helen for years and she was a sweet lady always enjoyed chatting when seeing her . Helen will be missed by so many ! Love Always Maureen Bailey and Family xoxo
Arnold and Ruth,
I am sorry to read of your Mother’s passing. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Anne van Wyk
To the McLean and Syer families, so sorry to hear about the passing of Helen. Mom often talked about playing with her as kids ,especially when they loaded her doll buggy with kittens all the time.
We are so sad to hear of Mrs. Syer’s passing. She will be greatly missed by our family who loved seeing her sitting in her chair watching the children play outside. She was such a sweet and caring lady always watching out for her neighbours. Our condolences are sent to her family.
My sincere condolences to the family. Helen (and Lyle) were wonderful neighbours and I’m lucky to have known them. May she rest in peace along with Lyle again.
Mike Williams
Chris, Arnold and Families,
I am sorry to hear of your Mother Helen’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. May your memories of her be with you always.
Chris and Lee
Ted and I are thinking of you at this time. May your family and your memories help you deal with this sad loss.
Ted and Faye Barnes
To the family of Helen Syer. I’m sorry for your loss. Helen and I had many good talks on the phone that I will treasure
Chris Lee Arnold Ruth and families
So sorry for your loss just know we are thinking of you all now and in the days ahead. Hold your memories close to your heart
Our deepest sympathy and condolences to Arnold,Ruth and family and Lee, Chris and family on the passing of Helen. She will be missed by all her family and all that knew her.
Linda and Larry Zavitz
Rest in peace Helen. You’ve left a fine family in your wake. I send my deepest sympathy to them. The loss of a Mother/Grandmother/Great-Grandmother is a loss we all expect will happen at some time, but we are never prepared to let go. She will always live in your hearts & memories.
Helen was a wonderful person who lived her faith! A beautiful and kind person. My condolences to her family.
Arnold, Ruth, Chris and Lee: So sorry to hear of Helen’s passing. She was a great member of our Sunshine Club for many years and a wonderful neighbour as well. She will definitely be missed but long remembered. – Ross & Sharon
Arnold, Ruth & Chris, Lee
Our deepest sympathies to you and all your families. Always enjoyed our visits and admired her many talents. Helen will be greatly missed by many!
So sorry for your loss Chris and Lee, Arnold and Ruth and families , she will be missed.
Thoughts and prayers to entire familly at this sad time. Helen was such a kind lady and will be greatly misssed. Peace
I am so sorry for your loss Wendy. I remember Helen as such a kind soul…i know she will be missed….
Dear Chris, Lee, and all of Mrs Syers beloved family,
We send our deepest condolences in the loss of your beloved Mom and Grandma, she was a very special lady. No one made better butter tarts or salmon sandwiches then your Mom.
I will always remember Helen’s kindness shown to my Mom & Dad. She will always be remembered with love. Thinking of her family during this time. Hold your memories close to your heart.
I am so sorry to learn of Helen’s passing. She was a beautiful and kind woman. She will be missed by many. Sending my condolences to her entire family.
To the Syer and McLean families,
So sorry to read about the passing of Helen. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time. May pleasant memories bring you peace.
Michael and Cathy
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom/grandmother. Helen was such a lovely lady and a very good friend to my mother. I will keep the family in my thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace, Helen.