October 23, 2026

DEATH NOTICE: CELEBRATION OF LIFE SUNDAY, OCT. 25, FOR FORMER NURSE HELEN BARNES, GREAT COMMUNITY SPIRIT, HOCKEY AND THUNDER BIKE CLUB LOVER

Helen Barnes, 94, 1931 ~ 2026

“Mum will be missed by so many friends and family.

She loved hockey every week at the arena and loved

fundraising for the Muskoka Thunder Bike Club.”

**While she always had perfectly coiffed hair, Helen Barnes wasn’t afraid to let it down when having fun at hockey games and when taking part in many Gravenhurst community events. PHOTOS Sandy Cairns**

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Helen Jean Barnes (née Auchterlonie) in her 95th year at Andy’s House (Hospice Muskoka) on Sunday, October 11, 2026.

She passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, and has joined the love of her life in heaven, her husband Lester (Les) Barnes, who passed away in 1996.

Helen was an only child born in Toronto in 1931, to Ethel and Jack.

She completed a nursing degree and practised briefly in Ontario, and later achieving her recertification in Florida where she worked at a hospital in Clearwater.

Helen met Les, while vacationing on Kahshe Lake in Gravenhurst. Together they grew a large family, living in London, Ontario, and Clearwater, Florida, before settling in Gravenhurst in 1980.

**“Gramma” doted on her family, including kids and grandchildren for whom she particularly loved to bake and feed them “the best sugar cookies.”**

Their children Greg (Ana), Steve (Donna), Wayne (Wendy), Sandy (Marty), and Jan (Keith) will remember their mother as a strong woman who made a perfect Sunday roast, loved to joke, and enjoyed arts and crafts.

Grandma, or “Gramma Barnes” as she was lovingly called, will be remembered by her grandchildren Jennifer, Andrew, Steve, Paul, Myra, Dave, Kristen, Zach, Dan (Tinah), Bryan (Tammy), Mandi (Jamie), Heather (Buddy), Alex (Olivia), Justin (Cheryl), John (Melanie), James (Nerissa), Wes (Amy), Brittany (Tyler), Liz (Vab), and Meredith (Richard) for how she cared for them when they were sick.

Their shared lunch dates and her knack for storytelling.

She always had perfectly coiffed hair, a stocked pantry of favourites, a love for dogs and the winning hand at cards.

Gramma baked the best sugar cookies, but had a strong distaste for tuna (an inside joke amongst the grandkids).

Helen was also a great grandmother (“GG”) to Cailyn, Lexie, Danica, Jeana, Quinton, Taylor, Alexia, Delia, Leilani, Gigee, Dustin, Halen, Jakson, Shalyn, Owen, Lilah, Gryffin, Sera, Ian, Elias, Aubrey, McKenzie, Hannah, Landen, and Lakelyn and leaves behind many more cherished family members and loved ones.

As a longtime resident of Gravenhurst, who was well-known in the community, Helen was a loyal hockey fan and a fixture at hundreds of South Muskoka Shield hockey games over the years. She was also a dedicated member of the Gravenhurst Legion and enjoyed the camaraderie and service of her fellow members.

**Helen was always game fun when out with Sandy Cairns, Skokie, family and friends.**

While Helen’s passing is deeply mourned by her family and friends, we find joy in reflecting on the beautiful years we had together and the lasting memories created.

We are grateful for the excellent care she received during her time at Andy’s House. Many thanks to the incredible, compassionate team of nurses and personal support workers who made Helen as comfortable as possible during her final days.

Celebration of Life Oct. 25, at Legion

Helen will be laid to rest with Les at the Mickle Memorial Cemetery on Sunday, October 25, 2026 at 12:30 pm, followed by a Celebration of Life at the Gravenhurst Legion from 1-3 p.m. Her friends are welcome to join the family in her community celebration.

In lieu of flowers, donations made to Andy’s House – Hospice Muskoka (https://www.hospicemuskoka.com/andyshouse) or the Gravenhurst Health Hub (https://www.gravenhursthealthhub.com/) would be appreciated and may be arranged online or through Cavill Funeral Home.