Tribute Video

Memorial Service - Saturday May 28, 2022 at Central Baptist Church, Oakville at 11 am.

To watch a recording of the Memorial Service click here: Helen Hahn Memorial Service

Obituary

On Wednesday March 2, 2022, a bright light was moved from earth to heaven…

It is with great sadness, that we announce the passing of Helen May Hahn (nee Allaby). Helen means light, and in her 93 years here, she truly was a bright light to so many.

Born in Berwick, NS., Helen was the youngest of six children to Dr. Henry Allaby and Nina Allaby (nee Hubley). Helen is pre-deceased by her parents, her step-mother Doris Allaby, her siblings Harold (Marjorie), Perry (Edith), Dorothy, Ken (Marjorie), and Ruth (Roy). Helen is also pre-deceased by her beloved husband Rev. Victor Hahn, whom she lost too soon in 1978. She is also, pre-deceased by all of Victor's siblings.

As a young single woman, Helen became a missionary and travelled to India in 1953, to teach. There, she met Victor, who was also a single missionary, and they were married in India on December 15, 1955. In 1958, she gave birth to their first- born, a daughter, Ruth Anne. In 1961, the family returned to Canada. In 1962, their second child, a son, Stuart was born in Toronto, and a few months later, they all moved to Boston. After two years living in Boston, the family returned to India in 1964. During their final three years in India, a third child, another son, Larry was born in 1966.

In 1967, the family returned to Canada, and Helen spent many years teaching high school English in Etobicoke. They bought their first home in Oakville in 1972, where Helen lived for the rest of her life. She retired from teaching high school at the age of 65 years, and continued her love of teaching by working as a supply teacher in high schools in Etobicoke, as well as many volunteer jobs throughout the years. As a volunteer, Helen taught ESL, helped at Kerr Street Ministries, taught Sunday School and served on many boards at Central Baptist Church where she was a member for fifty years, and served in other faith based organizations.

Helen was a devoted mother to her three children. When she became a widow and single parent, she continued raising her two teenagers and one pre-teen, with courage, stamina and love. When Helen became a grandmother in 1982, she continued that same devotion, throughout the years to her three grandchildren.

Among Helen's many talents and hobbies, were hiking (she trekked through many mountains and glaciers in India and Kashmir!), camping, world travelling, photography, writing (she wrote a book about her life in India!), reading, entertaining and cooking. Helen had a reputation as an excellent cook and baker! Helen's favourite travel destination was Great Britain, and she felt completely at peace on a beach looking out over the ocean in the Maritimes.

Helen will be deeply missed by her children Ruth Anne (Frank), Stuart and Larry, her grandchildren Shannon (Andre), Adam, and Chris (Erin), her great-grandchildren Willa, Emmett, Cole, and Millie, and her many nieces and nephews and their families. Helen loved dogs, and always enjoyed visits from her grand-puppy Boo!

Many thanks to Dr. Milloy and the staff at Trafalgar Medical Clinic, Rehana Oliver (her devoted live-in PSW for 3 ½ years), the staff at Retire-At-Home, Paramed, Acclaim Health, Home-Care, and OTMH, her Church family at Central Baptist Church, friends and neighbours.

Helen was a woman of faith. Her example of strength, kindness and love, has and always will be, a strong beacon to all who remember her.

She will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by her family and countless others.

In lieu of flowers, if desired, donations may be made to The Alzheimer Society of Canada or Central Baptist Church.

Visitation and a Memorial Service will be held at on Saturday May 28, 2022 at 11 am at Central Baptist Church, Oakville.