It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Helena Adele (Dowling) Kelly on January 6, 2024. Helena will be deeply missed by her children, Lawrence, Heidi (John), Shannon (Anne) and much-loved grandchildren, Sarah, Liam, Jeremy, Kathleen, Conlon, and Finn. She is also survived by her sister, Olga (Dowling) MacDonald and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, the Honourable (retired) Justice F. B. William “Bill “Kelly; and her sisters, Arlene (Dowling) Gallant, and Janet Dowling. Helena was born in Charlottetown, PEI, on March 24, 1940, to Mary Catherine “Maisie” (Costello) Dowling and Inspector A.J. “Gus” Dowling. She graduated from the Charlottetown Hospital School of Nursing in 1962. She practiced nursing in Charlottetown, Winnipeg, and Halifax. She married Bill and then devoted her life to caring for her family. She was very proud of volunteering for many years with the Red Cross in Port Hawkesbury. She and Bill were married for 53 years and shared a love of travel and exploring new places. She was dedicated to his care and comfort in his final years. Helena was gifted in her ability to connect with children and loved nothing more than spending time with her grandkids for whom she turned the simplest of activities into incredible memories. Mom was warm-hearted and generous and will be remembered for her innate ability to put people at ease with her gentle manner, humour, and genuine kindness. She had a passion for learning and thoroughly enjoyed going with her friends for SMU “lunch and learns” at the Halifax Library. She took great pleasure in both gardening, a skill she inherited from her father, and spending time with family and friends at her family’s cottages in Port Hood and Stanhope. Mom taught us about the importance of building community and putting effort into friendships that last for life and for this we are so grateful. The memory of her will always be in our hearts. At Helena’s request there will be no funeral. A special thank you to the staff of Parkstone Enhanced Care for the support, compassion, and kindness shown to her. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Helena’s name may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia or to Adsum for Women and Children
Helena Adele KELLY (Dowling) — Halifax
