Helen Esther Irwin (nee Cerson)
Friday June 21, 2024 from 3-5 PM
Saturday June 22, 2024 at 2 PM from the MacKenzie & McCreath Funeral Home, Ripley

Cemetery:
Ripley Cemetery
In Memory of
Helen Esther Irwin (nee Cerson)
July 31st, 1933 - June 17th, 2024

Place of Death

South Bruce Grey Health Centre, Walkerton

Obituary

Helen Irwin, beloved wife of the late Allan Irwin, of Ripley, passed away on Monday June 17, 2024 at Walkerton Hospital in her 91st year.   She was born in Kincardine on July 31, 1933, daughter of the late Agnes (Reid) and Wilfred Cerson.   Dear mother of Kathryn Irwin of London, Joan Irwin of Richmond Hill, Connie (Jerry) Zrini of London and Paul Irwin (Ingrid Wypkema) of Point Clark.  Greatly missed by grandchildren Andrew Paquette, Katelyn Paquette (Steve Lantos), Rachael Zrini and Emily Zrini and great grandson Istvan Lantos-Paquette.  Also survived by several nieces and nephews.  Predeceased by brothers Clarence (Jean) Cerson, Alvin (Melva) Cerson, and Earl (Nora) Cerson. 

Allan and Helen Irwin were married for over 65 years and farmed on the 4th Concession of Huron Township for about 20 years. They then moved into Ripley where they lived for the remainder of their married life. Most recently Helen was living at Rosewood RVilla in Ripley.

Helen will be remembered for her sewing finesse and for creating beautiful handmade quilts for her children and grandchildren. She was a member of the local quilting guild, and over the years won several ribbons for her quilts at the Ripley fall fairs. She was a great baker and her pies were especially appreciated by many. Helen worked at the Huron Tel office in Ripley for a period of time, and enjoyed leading a number of 4-H Clubs.  Another interest was genealogy and she helped trace the family history on the Cerson/Reid side. Several cousins on the Reid family side had reunions on a regular basis which Helen loved attending. She also kept up with and had interest in many nieces and nephews across Canada.

The family wishes to express their sincere thanks for the excellent care provided by her family doctor, Dr. Jason Murray for many years, and all the kind and caring staff at Rosewood RVilla.

Visitation will be held on Friday June 21, 2024 at MacKenzie & McCreath Funeral Home, Ripley from 3-5 PM.  A funeral service will be conducted from the chapel on Saturday June 22, 2024 at 2 PM.  

Donations

Please select one of the family's preferred charities:

  Osteoporosis Canada

 St. Andrew's United Church

You can also select the charity of your choice below:


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Message from Joan Petersen2024-06-28 00:44:27
Sending hugs to all your family at this sad time! Condolences Joan (Courtney) Petersen
Message from Brent and Linda Armstrong2024-06-23 10:22:40
We were so sorry to hear of Helen's passing, We are thinking of you all at this sad time. Kathy, I think about the day a few years back that I took your Mom and my Mom to London for an appointment and we went for a visit, I always enjoyed your Mom's company. My Mom is going to miss her dearly. Sincere sympathy.
Message from Kitt and Catherine Elmes2024-06-22 10:15:32
Kathy, Joan , Connie, Paul and families... We wish to extend our sympathy in your loss.. It is hard to lose a family member. Take care.
Message from Keith Gail Van der Hoek and family2024-06-21 21:27:49
Our deepest sympathy to all the Irwin and Cerson family! Helen was such a kind and sweet lady She always had a friendly hello, and welcomed you in when ever you knocked on her door. She will be missed in Ripley and Huron Kinloss community . Keith and Gail Van der Hoek
Message from Ann Nordhagen 2024-06-20 22:51:09
Our sincere condolences on your loss of Mother/Grandmother Helen Irwin. She was truly a unique and gracious lady who always welcomed us when we visited our Ripley cousins! Thinking of you all and sending you our sympathy. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Ann Nordhagen and the Dane family Hythe Alberta
Message from Sandra (Dane) Hommy2024-06-20 22:21:30
Thinking of you all . Memories are a wonderful thing and I wish you many happy ones….
Message from Irene Liddle2024-06-20 19:35:39
To Helen's Family: My sincerest sympathy to Helen's Family at this time. My thoughts go back to when I worked with Helen at Huron Kinloss then, now Huron Tel. Helen was a gracious lady and a pleasure to work with.
Message from Ann Nordhagen 2024-06-20 18:56:21
Our sincere condolences on your loss of Mother/Grandmother Helen Irwin. She was truly a unique and gracious lady who always welcomed us when we visited our Ripley cousins! Thinking of you all and sending you our sympathy. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Ann Nordhagen and the Dane family Hythe Alberta
Message from Brian and Wendy Pollock2024-06-20 15:11:25
To All of Helen's Family. She was quite a lady and will be remembered fondly by all who knew her. You will have many memories of past happy times and cherish them always. Helen was a Gem. Sincerely, Brian and Wendy Pollock
Message from Carol Halliday 2024-06-20 13:14:51
Kathy,Joan,Connie,Paul and families, Our Sincere Sympathy on the passing of your mom. Unfortunately we aren't able to get down for the service on Saturday, but will be thinking of all of you. Love and hugs to all of you,Carol and John Halliday.
Message from Dianne Simpson2024-06-20 09:06:47
Helen was an active participant in our Ripley VON Smartfit exercise class. She was a lovely lady who could groove to the tunes 🎶🎵🎶🎵and keep the beat! Helen and I enjoyed our line dancing evenings at Point Clark. Lots of laughs and “ left feet”! Take good care!
Message from Danielle Sutton 2024-06-20 07:16:18
Sending our deepest condolences to all family in the passing of Aunt Helen. Thinking of you all during this time. Russell and Danielle Sutton
Message from The McLean Family, Mary Lynn, Debbie and Dennis Wylds, Brenda and Betty Jean.2024-06-19 20:05:52
Our deepest sympathy to all on the passing of Helen. She will be greatly missed by all.
Message from Laurie and Mike Gallant2024-06-19 19:13:09
Kathy, Joan, Connie, Paul and families Our deepest sympathies on your loss. The Irwin and Colling families spent a lot of time together as we were growing up.
Message from Jake and Betty Johnstone2024-06-19 14:41:24
Heartfelt sympathy to the Cerson/Irwin families. Helen was a loving cousin and we treasure those Reid cousins gatherings as she was our living connection to the past and shared her passion for collecting family history! R.I.P. Helen from Jake and Betty
Message from BettyAnn & Ken Mayberry2024-06-19 13:34:25
To the Family of Helen, so sorry to hear of your mothers passing. Ken & I have some wonderful memory's when we camped at Green Acres. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers and may happy memories carry you through this sorrowful time. Sorry we are unable to attend the funeral service, as we have previous appointments. BettyAnn & Ken Mayberry
Message from Gail Johnson2024-06-19 11:53:11
To Kathy, Joan, Connie, Paul and families, I extend my deepest condolences on the loss of your Mom. May special memories bring comfort in the days ahead. Sincerely Gail Johnson
Message from Joan Hartwick2024-06-19 09:57:35
My deepest sympathy on the passing of your beloved mom, grandma, and friend to many. Helen and I took a course for bookkeeping at KDSS many years ago! What a lovely lady, she will be missed by so many. Treasure your memories! Sincerely, Joan and Wayne Hartwick
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