Obituary of Helen Barnes

BARNES, Helen (DeRosa)- September 15, 1924 – March 29, 2017 Helen passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family, at Stedman Community Hospice in Brantford. She was born in North Bay, the 6th of 12 children to Gladys and Samuel DeRosa. She moved to the Hamilton area as a young girl where she remained her entire life. She graduated from Westdale Secondary School in 1941. She worked as a secretary and bookkeeper in various businesses including her family's own construction firm, but soon realized her true talents as a seamstress and drapery maker which she continued well into her eighties. She met and married her dear husband of 44 years Alfred Barnes who predeceased her in 1992. Helen lived life to the fullest, always lead by her heart. Her generous spirit ensured that others had what they needed BEFORE her own needs were met. Family meant everything to her, never missing a birthday or special event in the lives of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Helen was independent, strong, resourceful, selfless, self-reliant, and generous to a fault. She had an artistic flair and a great sense of style in fashion and home decorating. She thought nothing of hosting a gathering for 75 people and pulling it all off with grace and ease making certain each guest felt at home. Helen set goals for herself and stayed focused on them until completion. She was fearless, often trying new things even though she might fail. She was a positive thinker, always looking for the good in others, evidenced by how she would always root for the underdog. She zigzagged her way through life, often guided by superstitions and luck. She stayed well-informed in world events, usually the first to know of any major happening. Helen is survived by her loving children Gail Best (John), Debbie Barnes, George Barnes (Babara), Bob Barnes (Lynda) and adoring grandchildren Matthew Meskimen (Kelly), Andrew Best (JungMi), Lindsay Tavares (Paul), Addison Best, Bob Barnes, Russell Barnes (Lauren) Candace MacArthur (Scott), Kristen Lefor (Lane) and Aaron Barnes. She has 10 Great-Grandchildren Ella, David, Spencer Hannah, Ava, Everly, Kayden, Lincoln, Sawyer, Savannah, and three more expected soon! She is survived by siblings Edith Rothwell, Rudy DeRosa, Frank DeRosa, Doreen Droski and Edward DeRosa and in-laws Margot, Laura, lrene and Judy DeRosa. Her many nieces nephews and extended family are too numerous to list! She is predeceased by sisters Ang Veltri, Rose Veri, Rita McGowan, and brothers John, Joe and James DeRosa and in-laws Pat Veri, Sylvia DeRosa, and Bill Rothwell, Lillian (Verdun) Sloss, Jack (Jean) Albert (Dorothy) and Pearl Barnes Helen's cremated remains will be interred alongside her husband Alfred during a private gathering for immediate family, Sunday, April 2nd at 1:15 p.m. at Woodlawn Cemetery in Dunnville, Ontario. A Celebration of Life will be planned and announced at a date, yet to be determined. lf you wish to honour Helen's life, donations to the Stedman Community Hospice of Brantford would be gratefully appreciated.