Helen Gribben

Mrs. Helen (“Ella”) McKenna Docherty Gribben (nee Rankin) age 90 years, passed away peacefully at St. Joseph hospital on Friday October 27, 2017, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Paisley, Scotland, Helen married Thomas (“Scotty”) Gribben on February 4, 1950. Together with their two young sons Archie and Johnny they immigrated to Canada and settled in Fort William where their daughter Cathie was born.

Throughout the years, Helen had many interests and hobbies; she was an accomplished knitter, a wonderful baker, cook, and dancer. She especially enjoyed her weekly shopping trips with her daughter. Helen, in better health, was actively involved with St. Agnes Parish, as well as the Catholic Women’s League. She loved her family and spent many hours cheering on her grandchildren at sporting events. “Gran BB” was proud of her grandchildren’s achievements and she encouraged them to pursue their education and to travel.

Helen is survived by her son Archie (wife Suzanne) and their children Jillian (Jay) and Joshua (Kathryn), daughter Cathie (partner Jim) and her children McKenna and Katelyn (partner Brandon), her three great-grandchildren, Sam, Jayden, and Paisley. She is also survived by sister Cathie Mathieson (England), and by nieces and nephews and their families (Thunder Bay and England). Helen was predeceased by parents Nellie and Archie, husband Tom, son Johnny and granddaughter Sara, as well as her sister May, brothers John and Archie, sister-in-laws Ina Rankin and Doreen Rankin, brother-in-laws Arthur Finlay and Ken Mathieson.

Cremation has taken place, and the Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Agnes Church, Thursday November 2, 2017 at 10:00 am. Final interment will take place at Sunset Memorial Gardens at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests donations be made to the Thunder Bay Boys and Girls Club or to George Jeffrey Children’s Centre.