Obituary of Helen Gortnar

Today we will not mourn your loss instead we will celebrate your life. Helen Gortnar, nee Latta, passed away peacefully at the age of 92. Predeceased by her husband Janez and youngest daughter Katherine. Mum, is always in the hearts of her daughter Lorraine (Bob), son John (Mayela), two grandchildren Ashley (Trent), Robbie (Dayna), and her recent pride and joy, great-grandchild, Everly. Mum will also be missed by her surviving brothers in Corby, England: William, James and Robert Latta and their families. Mum’s departed twin sister Mary, and brothers Alex, John and Andy are also in our thoughts at this time. Mum was a strong woman who lived life on her own terms. She immigrated to Canada in 1957 and was an avid traveler throughout her life but nothing brought her more joy than when she was able to return to her homeland of Scotland, a place she truly loved. She was an accomplished knitter and a wonderful baker. The annual Christmas baking she did with her lifelong friend, Lilias, was enjoyed by all who knew them. Mum would often deliver muffins to the local firemen in her neighborhood and affectionately became known to them as the "Muffin Lady". Mum had a wicked sense of humour and an equal sense of justice. The only thing she was afraid of in this life was cats and even she would laugh about her antics trying to avoid them. Once, on holiday, a lady suggested that the skort she was wearing might be too short for a woman her age – so she wore it to walk past that lady every day, for the rest of her trip. She always lived unapologetically and with dignity. Known lovingly as “Mrs. G” to many, she was a second mother to some of her children’s friends, who adored her strong tea, endless tins of biscuits, and good advice over the decades. Those who knew Mum will remember her with a smile whenever they see a tennis match, or celebrate her beloved New Year’s Eve, or eat shortbread that just isn’t quite as delicious as the ones she’d make. There will now be many empty biscuit tins but those who loved Mum will always have full hearts and memories of an exceptional Mother, Gran, sister and friend.