Helen Marjorie Chisholm, born Helen Marjorie Reid, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2026, at the age of 82, in the Aberdeen Palliative Care Unit, New Glasgow, Nova Scotia.
Born on November 8, 1943, at Aberdeen Hospital in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, Helen was the daughter of the late George William Reid of Black Point and Marjorie Alida (Atwood) Reid of Westville.
Helen grew up in Black Point and attended the one-room schoolhouse in Little Harbour before continuing her education at East Pictou Rural High School. She began her working life at the Royal Bank and later at TD Bank.
On September 9, 1966, she married the love of her life, Stanley Wayne Chisholm. Together they built a life centred on family, hard work, and community. In 1969, Helen and Wayne took over the family well-drilling business from her parents, and in 1978 they purchased it outright. Over the years, Helen became an integral part of running the family business alongside Wayne, and she also helped manage Helyne Rentals, including two trailer parks they owned and operated together.
Helen was deeply devoted to her family and to her community. She was an active member of the Little Harbour Community Centre and the Fire Department Auxiliary. She was also a faithful member of Little Harbour Presbyterian Church, where she served as Secretary-Treasurer for approximately 10 years, and Treasurer of Church Brook Cemetery for well over 20 years. Her dedication, reliability, and positive strength left a lasting mark on all who knew her.
Beyond her commitment to family, business, and community, Helen and Wayne shared a love of travel. They especially enjoyed wintering in Florida and were fortunate to travel to many places around the world, creating years of treasured memories together. In later years, Helen developed a love of playing bridge and treasured the friendships she made through the game.
Helen was adventurous and always a good sport when it came to fun with family and trying new things. She took part in activities like water skiing, bicycling, downhill skiing, kayaking, jet skiing, and paddle boarding over the years. More recently, she loved spending playtime with her grandson Ian. She was game for almost anything that brought them joy and laughter, including a night in a tent at the beach.
Helen was predeceased by her son, Gregory Allen, in 1968; her brother, Geordo, in 1967; and her sister, Jessie, in 1989.
She will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Stanley Wayne Chisholm; her son, Jeffrey Chisholm, his wife, Melody Beck, and their son, Ian (PEI); daughter, Janice Chisholm, and her husband, Kirk MacQuarrie (Halifax); Kirk’s children, Jake, Samuel and Kael MacQuarrie, Justin Drake; and her sister, Judy Matechuk (Whitehorse). She will also be fondly remembered by her extended family, friends, and the many people whose lives she touched through her work, kindness, and community service.
The family would like to sincerely thank the staff of the Aberdeen Palliative Care Unit, including the nursing team and Drs. Horton and Corsten, for their compassionate care and support over the past few weeks. A special thank you to the tremendous support received from friends and community.
Funeral will be held at 2:30pm Monday, March 30, in the Little Harbour Presbyterian Church. In lieu of visitation, a Celebration of Life will be held from 4-7pm Monday, March 30, at the Little Harbour Community Center
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Little Harbour Community Center or Fire Department or Presbyterian Church; or the Pictou County Palliative Care Society.
Helen's legacy of quiet strength, unwavering kindness, and deep community roots will continue to inspire all who were fortunate to know her.
Arrangements are under the direction of R.H. Porter Funeral Home, New Glasgow.