Obituary of Helen Ball

Helen Winnifred Ball, widow of Douglas Ball and the last of the “McFees from Aberdeen Street,” passed peacefully with her daughters at her bedside at Hospice Fredericton on Saturday, December 16, 2017. There will never be adequate words to express our gratitude to Dr. Bea Sainz and the exceptional staff who cared for our mother, allowing her to rest, pain-free in her last days with us. Dr. Naomi White, Chris Goodine and the staff of Paradise Villa and the Extramural nurses who cared for our mother will always hold a special place in our hearts for all their efforts and kindness. Helen was predeceased by her parents, Harry and Phoebe McFee and her siblings, Hymie, Eric, Hubert, Marie, Margery and Doris, as well as her son Brian and son-in-law Peter. Remaining with wonderful memories are her daughters, Susan Nelson (Gary) of Falmouth NS and Debbie Bronnum (Michael Lyle) of Fredericton; grandchildren Jeff, Michael, Anne, David, Rob and Rebecca and seven great grandchildren, all of whom brought her much joy. Helen will be a lasting influence and much-loved memory for her niece, Marcie (whose love and attention has been such a blessing) as well as for her nephews and remaining cousins. Helen followed in her father’s footsteps into a career as an educator. After graduating from Normal School, she stood at the front of her first classroom while still in her teens. Over the next almost 5 decades she was respected, maybe a little feared, but more often loved by thousands of children, each of whom mattered to her more than most ever realized. Helen was a pioneer in the education system in Oromocto, taking her first classroom there as the “Model Town” was being created and moving to Hubbard Street School, Gesner Street and Drummond Drive over several years. She taught in several communities during her career including Sussex, Fredericton and Fredericton Junction. As a single mom she taught her daughters the power of hard work, earning two degrees from the University of New Brunswick and her Principal’s Certification. She was principal at Liverpool Street School before marrying Douglas Ball and moving to Fredericton Junction where she became very involved in the community and eventually ended her teaching career. For much of her adult life Helen was a member of the Eastern Star and travelled extensively through New Brunswick and the eastern USA. She was awarded her 50 Year recognition from Celestial Chapter in 2016. A woman of great faith, she was an active member of the United Baptist Church in Fredericton Junction and Grace Memorial Church in Fredericton. The McFee family spent many Sundays after church gathered around a piano, playing and singing their favourite music. The family circle is now complete and the thought of music they will make again makes all of us who love them smile. We cherish the memories we will always hold in our hearts and value the lessons she taught us. We will also respect her wishes by not having visitation at this time and a Celebration of Life for Helen Ball will be held at future date, at which time she will join Doug in the Fredericton Junction Rural Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice Fredericton or a charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com