Helene Marguerite Barnstable August 9, 1927-December 25, 2011 Helene Barnstable, late of Macoun, Sask., passed away at Midale, Sask., on Sunday, December 25, 2011 at the age of 84 years. Helene Marguerite Bourquin was born at home in Estevan, Sask. to Louis and Marie - Aug. 9, 1927. She finished high school in Estevan and went on to complete a course in stenography. Helene worked as a personal secretary for Perkins Law Firm. In 1945 Helene met Ray Barnstable and they were married June 18, 1947 in a beautiful garden wedding at the Bourquin home. Together Ray and Helene lived in Estevan while Ray worked for the Bourquins in the coal mine, then moved to the town of Macoun in 1949. In 1960 they settled in their new home Ray built for them on the farm. Before they moved, daughters Sandra and Wendy were born, and Kim and Sheri later completed the family. Helene loved to garden and spent countless hours making her flower beds beautiful. She enjoyed numerous crafts and activities including macrame, ceramics, quilting, and flower arranging. She curled in Macoun Curling leagues, and was actively involved in WM at Macoun Evangelical Church. Helene kept close ties with the Salvation Army, and along with her family attended many Sunday evening services. Helene enjoyed lots of special trips with her family, many of which were camping - first with a tent and later moving up to the luxury of the family Winnebago. Helene loved having her family around her, and often said she was most happy when all of her kids were home. Throughout the years, Helene battled with arthritis and heart disease, but never complained, or let it affect her "others first" attitude. In April of 1995, Helene was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, and in 2005 she was admitted to Long Term Care in Estevan. She moved to Lampman Community Health Centre, and then in 2006 was admitted to Mainprize Manor in Midale where she remained until her passing. Ray was a devoted visitor and companion throughout her stay in Long Term Care. Unfortunately her health continued to decline, and the disease prevailed. On December 25, 2011 Helene passed away peacefully at Mainprize Manor, but only after everyone in her family said their goodbyes, and she was assured they were all together. Helene's Christ-like example and selfless, gentle nature will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Survived by her husband, Raymond, Macoun; their family, Sandra (Mick) Merkley, Regina, Wendy (Ben) Gustafson, Macoun, Kim (Karen) Barnstable, Kelowna, B.C., Sheri (Wade) Peters, Regina; her grandchildren, Renelle (Calvin) Simons and family, Blake and Rhett,; Randy (Michaela) Merkley; Raelynne Merkley; Benji Gustafson, Josh (Stacey) Gustafson; Becca Gustafson; Kolby (Camille) Barnstable and Kraymer Barnstable, Isaiah, Sam and Jake Peters; brothers, Louis (Ruth) Bourquin, Henry Bourquin; brothers-in-law, Robert Barnstable, Orville (Ethel) Barnstable, Gayle (David) Redpath, William (Bev) Barnstable, Myrna (Lloyd) Redpath, and Kirk (Anita) Barnstable and also numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by parents, Louis and Marie Bourquin; sister, Annette (Edward) Ward; her father and mother-in-law, Roy and Susan Barnstable; her sisters-in-law, Marjorie Bourquin, Esther Bourquin and Evelyn Barnstable. Funeral Service was held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, December 29, from the Macoun Evangelical Missionary Church with Pastor Charlie Bowen officiating. Interment took place in the Macoun Cemetery. If friends so desire, donations may be given to The Salvation Army, or Parkinson Society, P.O. Box 21010 Gardiner Park, Regina, SK, S4V 1J4 in loving memory of Helene Barnstable. Thank You The family of Helene Barnstable would like to thank: Hall Funeral Services for the excellent job done with all the arrangements for the funeral, Pastor Charlie Bowen for officiating at the service and the very fitting tribute he gave to Mom in his message, the ladies of Macoun Evangelical Missionary Church for providing and serving the delicious lunch, Anita Barnstable for playing the piano, Eric and Karen Klarholm for operating the sound and video for the service, all the wonderful friends and family who have supported us with gifts of food, kind words, lots of hugs and love, and a very special thank you to Mainprize Manor for the extra love and care you provided for Mom and Dad over the years - we were so grateful she was always in good hands. It is times like these we thank God for the blessings of family and friends.
