June 28, 1938 – May 26, 2026

It is with great sadness that the family announces the peaceful passing of Helen Joan Hansen, age 87, on May 26, 2026, at Pinewood Court in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Born in South Gillies on June 28, 1938, Helen spent many years at her home on Cartier Court and built a life centered around love, family, and laughter.

Helen’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose home and heart were always open. Known affectionately by her great-grandchildren as “G-dot” and “Big Grammy,” Helen treasured every moment spent with her growing family. She cherished time spent camping at Round Lake, loved dancing whenever music was playing, and was never far from her favourite rum and diet Pepsi. Helen was also well known for her playful spirit and her habit of pinching those she loved — a quirk her family will forever remember with smiles and affection.

Helen leaves behind her loving children: Greg (Loreen), Jim (Sheila), Jeff (Kerry), and Cindy (John). She will be deeply missed by her grandchildren: Andy (Ashley), Eric (Riley), Stephanie (Aaron), Ashley (Jeff), Tyler, John (Julie), Joel (Pippa), Krista (Shaun), Katie (Ray), Justin, Erin (Brett), and Tara.

She was a proud great-grandmother to Makinley, Brody, Adam, Lochlan, Nathan, Alayna, Makyla, Kailee, Sawyer, Carly-Anne, Evalyn, Lainey, James, Danyka, Henry, Halle, Hazel, Zoe, and Quinton.

Helen is also survived by her sisters Irene and Betty (Fred); sisters-in-law June, Merle, Edith (Wayne), Margie, and Roberta; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Gilbert Hansen; great-granddaughter Taylor Dawne; her parents John and Sadie Lane; brothers Vern (Eleanor), Earl (Mary), and Glen; sisters Hazel (Fred) Sutton, Peggy (Bob) Wark, Vera (Lawrence) Hansen; baby sister Faye; and several brothers- and sisters-in-law.

A funeral service will be held at Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel on Wednesday June 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Helen’s memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and staff of Blue Heron at Southbridge Pinewood Long Term Care for their kindness, compassion, and care shown to Helen throughout her time there.