Obituary of Helen Marjorie Crooks

Helen Marjorie (Mercer) Crooks, 95 Halifax/Glace Bay Helen Marjorie (Mercer) Crooks passed away quietly on the morning of Thursday June 3,2021 at the age of 95, while residing at Arborstone Enhanced Care in Halifax, NS. Helen was born in 1926 in Sydney, NS, the 3rd youngest child of Thomas and Annetta (Rolls) Mercer and was the last remaining of her 11 siblings. She received her teaching certificate from the Provincial Normal Teachers’ College in Truro, NS and taught at Whitney School and Ashby School in Sydney during her teaching career. She would tell you that one of her great pleasures throughout her retired life was meeting her former students. When not teaching, Mom could be found skating “bands” at the old Sydney Forum. Mom was predeceased by her husband William (Bill) Crooks in 1964, her parents, Thomas and Annetta (Rolls) Mercer, and siblings Clarence, Harold, Jim, Russell, Mabel, Chet, Lenora, Della, Frederick, Evelene and Melvin. Mom is survived by sons Richard (Susan), Warren (Cathy) and Russ(Bruce), grandchildren Steven (Jessica), Michael (Lindsey) and Kenny (Katie) and seven great-grandchildren who affectionately referred to her as “Nana the Great”: Isabelle, Sam, Charlie, Garrett, Reilly, Liam and Owen. Mom is also survived by her niece, Carolyn (McQueen) Pynn, to whom she was especially close. Mom was loved unconditionally by everyone and will be deeply missed by her friends at Williston House, Sydney. Special thanks to the nurses and staff at Williston House and at Arborstone in Halifax and to Jane for her love and care. Mom created a welcoming home for family and friends. She inspired and nourished her family, taught us to love and be loved, encouraged us to be ourselves and to do our best in life. Her voice may be silent, but her memory and love remain. In accordance with Mom’s wishes, cremation has occurred. Mom’s ashes will be buried, at a later date, next to her husband at Forest Haven Memorial Gardens in Sydney. Memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, Halifax. On-line condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.tjtracey.com.