Helen Brightling ~ at Listowel Memorial Hospital on Thursday, June 29, 2017, Mrs. Helen Margaret Brightling of Listowel, in her 80th year.

Beloved wife of John Brightling. Mother of John William Brightling of Listowel, Catherine Brightling and Bruce Hicks of Kitchener, and Michael and Tanya Brightling of St. Thomas.

Loving ‘Grandma B’ to Nolan and Miles.

Sister of Marian Luxton of Protection Island B.C.

Predeceased by her brother Donald, and by her parents Rev. Gruer Luxton and Elsie (Holbrook) Luxton.

Helen was born in Hamilton. She attended public school in Acton and high school in Fergus where she graduated with honours and was her graduation class valedictorian. After high school she went to Stratford Normal School and became a successful public school teacher, teaching many years in London, Kitchener, Port Credit, Listowel and Elma. She was an active member of the Retired Women Teacher’s Association of Ontario.

She received her B.A. from the University of Western Ontario while raising three children.

Helen has been a resident of Listowel since 1969. She was an active member in the community and in particular with the Christ Anglican Church in Listowel. She convened and worked at the rummage sale and pancake supper for many years. She was always a very active member of ACW and the Eastern Star.

Helen loved travelling. She travelled with her family to the west and east coasts including Newfoundland several times always tenting along the way. With her family, she also travelled to England, toured Europe and went on several cruises. Helen and John drove to Yukon and up the Dempster Highway to Inuvik in the Northwest Territories. They also travelled to New Zealand and China.

Helen was an avid reader and even a better writer. In October, she would start to prepare her Christmas cards, always writing a personal letter. Always organized, she would write over 100 Christmas cards each year as well as sending birthday cards to her many friends and family (the post office will miss her).

After her stroke in 2004, she has had several serious illnesses that had her stay at the Listowel Hospital. During one of these stays, she had a setback so severe that five doctors and a nurse attended her. Thanks to them and the Good Lord her life was spared. One attending physician afterward commented “She’s a fighter”.

Two things sum up Helen’s life; being a fighter and a lover of people.

Visitation will be held at the Eaton Funeral Home, Listowel on Tuesday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. with an Eastern Star Memorial Service at 6:45 p.m.

The funeral service will be held at Calvary United Church, Listowel, on Wednesday, July 5th at 11:00 a.m. Rev. George Russell and Rev. Canon David Bowyer officiating.

Interment to follow in Fairview Cemetery, Listowel.

Memorial donations to Listowel Memorial Hospital Foundation or Christian Children's Fund would be appreciated.

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