Obituary of Helen Hood Machray

With broken hearts we announce the sudden passing of our beautiful mother & grandmother, Helen Hood (Voy) Machray, at home on February 1, 2023. Beloved daughter of Robert ‘Bobby’ Voy and Isabella ‘Isa’ (Hood) Voy, Helen lived life on her own terms. A true Gemini, her kind and generous spirit was equally matched by her stubborn and fiery side. While her friendly, benevolent nature put others at ease, she often proved herself a force to be reckoned with (and proudly so)! Helen was a wonderful friend to many and appreciated every card and kind word ever given to her. She loved a good story and treasured connecting with others, sharing a laugh or a sympathetic ear. Helen had a passion for reading, especially biographies and books on angels, mediation & spirituality. An earth angel to her friends and loved ones in life, we take great comfort in knowing that Helen will be in her glory as an angel in the spiritual world. Helen is survived by her daughters, Laura (Jared Saulnier) Machray and Elaine (Dwayne) Aucoin; beloved grandchildren, Andrew (Jennifer Whitty) Machray, Jack and Lucy Machray Saulnier, William and Anna Aucoin; her family overseas and across Canada: George Machray, Lilian, Raymond and Alistair Voy, Marelle and Jim Grahame, Rosie, Yolande and wee Finlo Grahame Laking. Helen will be missed by many friends but none more so than her devoted and best friend in life, Linda Sleep, and the entire Sleep family, who always welcomed Helen as one of their own. In addition to Bobby & Isa, Helen was predeceased by her brother and sister, Ronald and Janette Voy, in-laws Norman ‘Mac’ Machray and Margaret (Storrie) Machray, and numerous extended family members over the years. Helen grew up in the small coastal town of Prestonpans, just east of Edinburgh. She met and married George, and within a few years, they welcomed two daughters. In February of 1982, they emigrated to Nova Scotia for what was to be a three-year adventure along with several other families from the UK. Somehow, three years turned into forty, and while many of the families moved on and her own changed shape, Helen happily remained in the house on Rankin Drive, surrounded by wonderful neighbours who became like family. Although Helen spent more half of her life in Canada, she returned to her Scottish roots through many wonderful visits home over the years, and her heart always remained in Scotland. Family meant everything to Helen. With the arrival of her first grandson, Andrew, at the young age of 43, she experienced the joys of helping to raise him like the son she had always wanted. A beloved Granny, she treasured visits with all of her grandchildren both at home and across the country and celebrated each milestone and accomplishment with love and pride. Helen spent her career in various provincial government departments for over thirty-five years, making many long-lasting friendships along the way and rarely missing a day. Famous for her Mars Bar Squares, notes in shorthand and extensive expertise, her desk often seemed to become the office information hub and the go-to place for a quick answer, friendly chat or update on the day’s news. Her dedication, work ethic and impeccable standards were second to none. Even health challenges could not keep her away, and, after a few short weeks of retirement, she happily returned to the office for several more years in various temporary roles as needed. A Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, 10 February 2023 at 1:00pm at T.J. Tracey Cremation & Burial Specialists, 71 McQuade Lake Crescent, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3S 1C4, with the Rev Dr. Kimberlynn McNabb officiating. Reception to follow. In honour of Helen’s giving spirit and heart of gold, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favourite local charity - she would have loved that. As we celebrate her life, Helen would not want us to be sad for her, as she has just reached her final destination a little ahead of schedule (for the first time ever - she was late for everything!). She would want us to enjoy talking and laughing over a ‘guid’ cup of tea about all the good times shared together. May your memories of Helen always bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart. Take care of yourselves and your loved ones, and as mum would say “Lang May Yer Lum Reek.”