Obituary of Helen A. MacGillivray

MacGillivray, Helen Alreta (nee Hipwell)

Helen died peacefully, with her daughter by her side, of progressive dementia on July 19, 2018. She was 96.

Beloved mother of Pamela Ann MacGillivray Loss, Helen was also mother to Gordon William MacGillivray and Malcolm Bruce MacGillivray, loving grandmother to Daniel Scott Loss, Jared Adam Loss and Erica Gabrielle Tarr and great grandchildren Gabriel Robert Pappo Loss, Maxwell Vivian Rogers Loss and Genevieve (Evie) Cora Tarr. Helen was predeceased by her parents Vivian and Beulah Hipwell, and her sister Marjorie Ann Batte. She is survived by her brother William Hipwell, granddaughter-in-law, Rebecca Rogers and grandson-in-law, Jonathan Tarr. She will be remembered with love by her son-in-law, Larrye E. Loss, sisters-in-law, Fern Hiltz and Lynn Hipwell, brother-in-law, Patrick Batte, her nieces and nephews as well as her extended family and friends. Helen enjoyed her annual visits with family in Canada as long as her health allowed.

Helen’s loving and generous nature was evident throughout her life as a mother and close friend (especially with Helga Ponce de Leon). She had an unfailing dedication to her family and will be forever missed.

Helen had a long career as a teller and customer service representative at various banks in the Drexel Hill, PA area. She also worked for more than 30 years at Alston’s Hallmark store at the Springfield Mall. In addition, Helen was a long-time volunteer at Riddle Hospital.

Her family thanks the caring staff at Fair Acres Geriatric Center, who supported Helen throughout her illness.

According to Helen’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A date for a Celebration of Helen’s life will be announced for later this summer, and interment will occur at Woodland Cemetery in Kitchener, Ontario.

In remembrance, donations in lieu of flowers could be made to a charity of your choice.

»(Do not delete this line. It does not print.  Text that is to appear on web must be entered before this line)