Obituary of Helen Patricia Valks (nee Dean)
Of St. Thomas, ON, passed away tragically in her 73rd year on Saturday, May 24, 2025, while on vacation, as a result of an accident near Bunratty, Ireland.
Beloved wife, friend, and travelling companion, for over 51 years to Henry J. “Henk” Valks. Dearly loved mother of Rachel Oostdyk (Kevin) and Jeff Valks (Jenn). Tireless, exuberant, and indulgent grandmother of Cameron, Andrew, Elena, Josh and Elsie. Dear sister of Beverley, Dorothy, Bruce, and the late Charles. Dear sister-in-law of Marty and Gail, Helen and Paul, Albert, and the late Peter. Helen is also fondly remembered by Pat Dean, as well as her nieces, nephews, and their families, and her friends. Following a lifelong love affair with cats, her currently loved fur-babies are Lily and Wilson.
Helen was born in Oshawa, ON, February 25, 1953. She was a daughter of the late Olive (née Boden) and Wesley Dean. A Registered Nurse, Helen was a 1974 graduate of the Scarborough Regional School of Nursing. Early in her career, she proudly worked at the Lady Dunn Hospital, Wawa, ON, and then later at the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital from 1987 until her retirement in 2013. A passionate yogi, she joyfully shared her love of yoga with willing (and even unwilling) students of all ages.
Relatives and friends will be received by the family at the Sifton Funeral Home, 118 Wellington St., St. Thomas (519-631-1160) on Thursday, June 5, 2025 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. The funeral mass will be held at Holy Angels’ Church, 502 Talbot St., St. Thomas on Friday, June 6, 2025 at 1:00 p.m., followed by a reception in the lower hall of the church. Please come prepared with stories to share. Flowers respectfully declined. If so desired, please consider a memorial donation to the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Foundation or Holy Angels’ Church re: Building Fund.
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