Obituary for Helen Fostaty
Helen Margaret Beryl (Harris) Fostaty (1929-2023) passed away at home on January 13th, 2023.
Mother to Lynne, Gerry, Natalia (d.2018), and Nick (d.1989). Mother-in-law to Angie(Gerry) and Debbie(Nick). “Nana” to Zack, Rosie, Sam and Ben. Aunt, cousin, and friend to many.
Born to Robert and Lucille (Vessey) Harris, Helen was the seventh of 14 siblings and grew up in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in the midst of the Great Depression. She later found a home in Montreal, Quebec, where she worked as a professional photographer during Montreal’s entertainment heyday, interacting with and photographing some of the world’s biggest stars in the 1950s and 60s. It was there she met and married Gerald Fostaty (d. 2002) in 1954. Sadly, her husband predeceased her just two years short of what would have been their 50th wedding anniversary.
Helen worked as a youth worker in Montreal in the 1970s. A graduate of George Brown College, she continued her work in schools in Toronto in the 1980s and 90s. Retired, she volunteered in palliative care in Charlottetown, PEI, and Newmarket, Ontario, in the 2000s.
She loved painting, knitting, and trips “home” to the Maritimes. Known for her sweet tooth, she made delicious peanut butter cookies that were a hit at family gatherings.
Helen will be remembered for her sharp wit, sense of humour, and ability to make friends wherever she went.
Mother to Lynne, Gerry, Natalia (d.2018), and Nick (d.1989). Mother-in-law to Angie(Gerry) and Debbie(Nick). “Nana” to Zack, Rosie, Sam and Ben. Aunt, cousin, and friend to many.
Born to Robert and Lucille (Vessey) Harris, Helen was the seventh of 14 siblings and grew up in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in the midst of the Great Depression. She later found a home in Montreal, Quebec, where she worked as a professional photographer during Montreal’s entertainment heyday, interacting with and photographing some of the world’s biggest stars in the 1950s and 60s. It was there she met and married Gerald Fostaty (d. 2002) in 1954. Sadly, her husband predeceased her just two years short of what would have been their 50th wedding anniversary.
Helen worked as a youth worker in Montreal in the 1970s. A graduate of George Brown College, she continued her work in schools in Toronto in the 1980s and 90s. Retired, she volunteered in palliative care in Charlottetown, PEI, and Newmarket, Ontario, in the 2000s.
She loved painting, knitting, and trips “home” to the Maritimes. Known for her sweet tooth, she made delicious peanut butter cookies that were a hit at family gatherings.
Helen will be remembered for her sharp wit, sense of humour, and ability to make friends wherever she went.