Obituary of Helen Pitts

Dorothy “Helen” (MacKay)Pitts  – 86, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, died on Wednesday, April 4, 2018 in Aberdeen Hospital after a short illness. 

Mom grew up on Church Street, Westville and moved to North Main Street when she and Dad started their own family.   She resided at Glen Haven Manor for the past 2 ½ years.

She was the daughter of the late Herbert and Jenny (Mason) MacKay. 

Mom graduated from Acadia University in ’53, and taught Home Economics in various schools in Pictou County, as well as night school sewing classes.  She was well known for her sewing abilities, from matching outfits for us three girls, doing alterations, dance class costumes, choir gowns, and many bridal party gowns.  Mom made spectacular quilts, tole painting projects with Dad, knitting, crocheting, and various crafts which she enjoyed with her craft club.  The fun and friendship she shared with her crafting friends was very dear to her.  Mom was a Sunday School Superintendent for a number of years at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Westville.  Mom and Dad were foster parents to many children over a period of 25 years.  She was a great support to all of her children, taking us to dance lessons, band, piano, singing, and choir rehearsals.  She proudly attended all of our recitals.  She showed a lot of patience and dedication sitting with us every night for piano practice and homework.  Mom & Dad took us camping as members of the Good Tern Campers as National Campers and Hikers Association for 20 years.  We have been inspired by Mom’s kindness and generosity, which she gave to her family and foster children, and her determination to participate in daily family life despite her physical challenges.  Nothing was going to stop her from doing her best.

She is survived by daughters, Janet Findlay, Westville; Jean Pitts, Riverview NB; and Janice (Michael) Kelly, Dartmouth; Foster son, Ralph Graham, New Glasgow; granddaughters, Stacia Findlay-Borkert, Sarah and Jessica Kelly; great-grandchildren, Tillman and Elisa Borkert; and many nieces and nephews who know her as Aunt ‘Honey’. 

She was predeceased by husband, Bernard Pitts; brothers, Henry, Mason, Herbert and Albert MacKay ; and sister Elizabeth “Betty” Cook.  

We wish to thank the kind, hard-working staff at Glen Haven Manor, and are also thankful for the tender care she received from the staff at the Aberdeen Hospital.

Helen rested at Eagles Funeral Home, Westville with visitations on  Saturday, April 7th .  Her funeral service was held Sunday at 2:00 PM, April 8th  in St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Westville, with Rev. Gregory Dickson officiating.  Interment will be in Heatherdale Memorial Gardens.   Donations in Mom’s memory may be made to St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, or the CNIB.