Helen Tornblom

Helen Tornblom (nee MacLennan) passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, February 3rd, 2018 a week after celebrating her 96th birthday.

Mom was born in Port Arthur on January 28th, 1922 to Angus and Victoria MacLennan. She told many stories of growing up in Port Arthur with her siblings, Anne, Alex, Lorne, Donald and Eulalia and of the many summers that they spent at their camp at Trout Lake.

For a period of time, mom worked for the Bank of Nova Scotia where she was hired in 1944 as part of their war time emergency staff. In June 1949 she married Rolf Tornblom and together they raised 2 children Shane and Michel in Current River. Mom and Dad spent many years attending numerous banquets, Christmas, New Years and Robbie Burns parties at the HMCS Griffon where they formed many long lasting friendships….and we must add that mom was always dressed immaculately for each of those functions.

Mom was a woman with a sense of style. She took great personal pride in putting on her make-up, doing her hair and selecting her day's wardrobe (for as long as she could). While mom exhibited her sense of style and creativity through her attention to detail in home decor, she had moments when she casually sat down to sculpt or draw something that was full of life. She was a talented seamstress and knitter. Mom sewed many memorable skating and dancing costumes, as well as clothing for Michel. Fortunately for us, we mostly experienced mom's creativity through her delicious meals and AMAZING baking. Her granddaughters still get excited by thoughts of their gramma’s spaghetti and meatballs. This is the cookbook we all want! 

As mom lost her mobility, our fondest memories are of her enjoying a Boston Pizza or steak and lobster at the Keg, but always with an OV or a spicy Caesar…with celery…not a pickle! Mom had a quick witted sense of humour that could make you laugh out loud and want to retell the story days later. 

Mom's only regret will be that she didn't see the Canadiens win the Stanley Cup and bring our cup back to Canada where it belongs (and will stay forever).

Mom was predeceased by her parents Angus and Victoria, her husband Rolf, sisters Eulalia and Anne Kislock and brother Alex.

Mom will be sadly missed and remembered by her daughter Michel Patton (Darrell) and son Shane Tornblom (Kerri); granddaughters Heather (Liam) and Kait (Ash); great granddaughters Aanya and Aarason; brothers Lorne (Dorothy) MacLennan and Donald (Ronelda) MacLennan; and numerous other family members.

We would like to thank the staff and residents of Chartwell Hilldale for being so kind and welcoming to Mom in helping her to feel at home for the last nine months. We also want to thank the PSW’s from Paramed most notably Alexis and Vanessa for being so patient and kind with the care and companionship they gave Mom over the last few months.

Inevitably as she discussed the loss of yet another friend, mom would end the conversation by saying "They're all gone." Mom was special and unique. She was a symbol of another era of women who took pride in being housewives. And now, for us, they truly are all gone. 

A private ceremony and interment for family will take place on Monday, February 12, 2018. If you so desire, donations may be made in Helen’s memory to the Salvation Army or a charity of your choice.