Obituary of Helen Catherine Rhys Jones

The passing of Helen Catherine Rhys Jones of Fredericton, NB, wife of the late Floyd Jones, occurred on Thursday, October 28, 2021, at Neill Hall-Shannex, Fredericton, NB.  Helen was born on June 21, 1942, in Bangor, North Wales, and was the daughter of the late Arthur and Kathleen (Cole) Hughes.   

Helen grew up in the seaside village of Rhosneigr, North Wales eventually attending St Winifred’s School for Girls as a boarder and then graduating in the top of her class from the London School of Printing and Graphic Arts in the early 1960’s.  Helen spent most of her working life as a graphic artist, first working with clients such as Chevron and Odeon Theatres in London, England and then, upon her arrival in Canada, with Dalhousie University in Halifax and with Communications New Brunswick in Fredericton.  Following her retirement, Helen kept herself busy as a docent at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery and a member of the Central New Brunswick Welsh Heritage Trust.  Helen was fiercely proud of her Welsh familial roots and instilled that same love of Wales in her late husband, Floyd, and both of her children.  Helen was also proud to be involved in coaching and organizing youth soccer and ringette in Fredericton during the late 1970’s and 1980’s.  Among Helen’s many pursuits were travelling, cross country skiing, tennis, painting/sketching, and hiking.  She loved nothing more than a hike in the mountains - especially in and around Snowdon in her beloved Wales.  Helen was also a very talented artist who enjoyed sketching and painting the many places she had travelled over the years.  The family would like to thank Dr. Phillip Bock, Dr. Timothy Haswell and the fantastic, dedicated nurses and staff at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital, the Windsor Court Retirement Residence and Neill Hall (Shannex).

Helen is survived by her children, Andrew (Joanna) of Halifax, NS and Stephanie of Fredericton, NB; granddaughters, Anna and Carys; twin sister, Maggi Stannard (Russell); brother, David Hughes (Bridget); nieces and nephews, Mark, Tim, Dominic, Ben and Eleanor-Kate; and cousin Peter Gasson (Hazel) amongst many other much loved family members around the world. 

Besides her husband and parents, Helen was predeceased by her siblings, John and Roger Hughes; cousin Paul Gasson (survived by Molly); and nephew, Nick Hawkins. 

Visitation will take place at York Funeral Home, 302 Brookside Drive, Fredericton, NB on Friday, November 12, 2021, from 6:30pm to 9:00pm.  A funeral service will take place at St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church, 75 Main Street, Fredericton, NB on Saturday, November 13, 2021, at 2:00 pm with Rev. Paul Ranson officiating.  Those attending visitation or service must provide proof of vaccinations as well as government issued ID.  Masks will be required as well.  The funeral service will also be video streamed in real time on the St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church Facebook Page.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Central New Brunswick Welsh Heritage Trust, the Beaverbrook Art Gallery (Please specify ‘In memory of Volunteer Guide Helen Jones’) or to a charity of the donor’s choice.  Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com.