In Memory of Helen Margaret Oldham

​OLDHAM, HELEN MARGARET (nee AITCHISON) Peacefully, on January 20, 2022, at the Village of Humber Heights, Etobicoke, in her 107th year, after a rich and fulfilling life. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 66 years, Robert (Bob) Oldham (1915-2005). The eldest of three siblings, she was also predeceased by her two sisters, Edith McClelland and Dr. Marian Packham, CM. Helen was born in Toronto and grew up in Weston. ​

She studied household economics at the MacDonald Institute in Guelph and Household Science at the University of Toronto and subsequently worked as a dietician in Depression-struggling Toronto. In 1939, she married Bob and they raised their family of three boys in Guelph, the UK and Toronto. In 1968, they moved to Vancouver for 9 years before returning to Toronto in 1977. She quickly adapted to the challenges and opportunities following their move to the UK and later to Vancouver. She and Bob shared an interest in classical music, attending summer concerts by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra with the family and singing in their church choirs. They also enjoyed traveling, including trips to Europe, Australia and Japan. Helen enjoyed sewing and was a very skilled seamstress. One Christmas she made formal leather gloves for Bob and the boys. Her faith and family were central throughout her life. She treasured family gatherings at the summer cottage on Lake Joseph as well as opportunities to host several of her grandchildren in their Toronto home. Her quiet cheerfulness and grace were hallmarks of her character. Helen is survived by her three sons: James (Martha); Peter (Julia Turner); and Douglas (Anne). She had seven grandchildren: Linda Dowling (Mark); Alex (Samantha); Matthew (Sandy Georgette Aquilera); Luke (Mika Kosaki Oldham); Timothy (Lurene Bates); and Andrew (Lorraine Kwan) and Dr. Robyn Oldham. She was also the beloved great-grandmother of Paris Dowling; Nicholas, Brooke, and Sydney Oldham; Kalina and Theresa Oldham; David Oldham; Eva Oldham; and Jacob and Hannah Oldham. Memorial donations would be gratefully accepted by The Scott Mission in Toronto and Doctors Without Borders. Helen was a longtime supporter of those organizations. Due to current restrictions, we must look forward to a memorial service at a future date with her friends and relatives. Condolences for the family may be offered at : www.EganFuneralHome.com

Published by Toronto Star on Jan. 29, 2022. View Helen's obituary here.