Obituary of Helen May Mowbray (nee Tamplin)

Helen passed away peacefully and surrounded by love, on August 7, 2026, in her Burgesswood home. Over the years, she shared stories of a childhood filled with joy and laughter with her parents and sister, and later brother-in-law, niece and nephews, in South Cayuga, Ontario. She had a brilliant mind, and received her degree in mathematics from McMaster University, which she attended on full scholarship. She spoke of all the fun she had teaching high school math in a variety of settings - from a private school in Oakville where she lived in residence with the girls, to an alternative school in Hamilton, where she was the only teacher that left the protected area to sit down amongst her students.

Helen married Wendell Mowbray and they enjoyed 57 shared years, starting their life together in Ancaster, Ontario. They were the most proud and supportive parents to their son and daughter. They endeavoured on many home projects together and these were some of Helen’s favourite times. They also loved their New Brunswick family, and the cottage they built on the beautiful Tobique river. Countless cherished memories were made down East.

When Helen and Wendell became grandparents, they moved to Burgesswood and built a new community of friends and family. They both loved the woods immensely. Helen was skilled artist and seamstress, and her lovely paintings graced the walls of their home. In her mid-80’s, she wrote and published her father’s life story. She was a wonderful friend and neighbour, often cooking meals that she delivered when she felt one was needed. Her friends cherished her, and later in life these friends stepped in admirably and helped her to stay in her beloved house.

Helen was resourceful, practical , and generous. As her abilities declined, instead of pitying herself, she designed systems, embraced technology, and built a team of wonderful people. She looked after her energetic cat Walter until her last day, serving his meals from her walker. She loved her family above all. Helen is truly an inspiration of how to live with dignity, regardless of the circumstances life hands you. She made things easy for us. We will dearly miss her.

Friends are invited to visit with the family on at the Blair & Son Funeral Home, 15 Gore St. W. Perth, on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 from 10:00am until the time of her memorial service in the chapel at 11:00am. Immediatley following the ceremony, a reception will be held in the Blair & Son Family Reception Centre, all are welcome to join. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to the ALS Society of Canada, Lanark County Community Home Support or to the local animal shelter would be appreciated, reflecting the values that Helen and Wendell shared.