Helly Greenacre
July 20, 1931 to February 13, 2020
Obituary
The family of the late Helly Greenacre are saddened to announce her sudden passing on February 13, 2020 in the comfort of her own home. Predeceased by her parents, Charles and Martha Sumeg and her husband Philip. Left to cherish her memory are her daughter Pamela, son-in-law Robert Meaney, grandson Rowan, and a circle of friends.
Born in 1931, Helly left her home in Budapest during WWII and spent several years in Paris before immigrating to Canada. She lived and worked in Montreal where she met Philip. They married in 1960 and relocated to Corner Brook in 1966 where she lived for 52 years before moving to St. John’s in 2017.
Helly had a lifelong appreciation of art, music, gardening, literature, languages and was an active member of the arts community in Corner Brook. She attended Sir Wilfred Grenfell College as a senior citizen where she obtained her Bachelor of Fine Arts and continued as an artist until the end.
Thank you to the friends and neighbours in Corner Brook, St. John’s, United States and France whose friendships she cherished and whose support is helping us through this difficult time.
Cremation has already taken place. A celebration of her life will be held in St. John’s at a later date in February.
In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the arts, local markets/businesses or donate to a charity of one’s choice.
I read of your mothers passing in the paper and even in death she brought a smile to my heart. She was such a warm and intelligent woman. I meet her early in my art career and over the years she was always kind and helpful. I have a small piece of her work that she gave me. I was a member of the Humber Art Ass. and LAWN and she was always there with helpful advice and that wonderful smile of hers.
Jackie Alcock
Corner Brook
It was with great sadness I heard of your mom’s passing, Pam. She was such an inspiration to me as an artist and mentor. She, Aileen, Sheila and Tess held children’s art classes at the Arts and Culture centre many years ago. They were vibrant, exciting incredibly talented women. I am honored to have had their guidance. The last time I saw her after she moved to St, John’s, I was with my daughter at the Farmer’s Market one Saturday and we ran headlong into each other. It was such a pleasant surprise with hugs and intense chatter of a brief catch-up. Of course she had just walked there from her home! My deepest sympathy of your loss.
Dear Pam and family, we were so sad to hear of your mom’s passing. She was an incredible woman and so very talented.. On behalf of LAWN, League of Artists of Western Newfoundland, you have our sincerest and deepest sympathy. Helly was our first treasurer, and held the position with utmost accuracy and responsibility. In the early days, we had few computers amongst us for which to communicate and everything everything was written, in fact,. all our reports were handwritten,. We often held meetings in her dining room and drank peppermint tea from the garden patch. She was highly respected and loved.
Pam and family:
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. With our deepest sympathy, Gord and Glenda (Peet)
Dear Pam and family,
We were so sorry to hear of your mother’s death and send you our deepest sympathy. We lived across the street from your parents on Central Street from 1975 until 1978 when we first moved to Corner Brook. Your mother was so warm with the most beautiful smile and we had many lovely encounters over the years while she lived in Corner Brook. I still have the most exquisite small embroidered cushion made by your grandmother sitting on my dresser so many years later. Your mother was certainly such a vibrant part of the arts community here. You must miss her tremendously but will have wonderful memories.
I am so sorry to hear of Mrs. Greenacre’s passing. She was a lovely lady. I will remember for her kind heart and ready smile. My sincere condolences to her family.
Pam,
So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. I love her picture! It was her beautiful smile that always welcomed you! One of my favourite memories of growing up on Central Street was baking cookies with you and your Mom! I know you will miss her greatly. Your Mom was. A true inspiration! Sending warm thoughts to you and your family at this sad time.
Warmly,
Gail Carroll
Dear Pam,
So very sorry to hear of your mom’s passing.
I will always remember your mom growing up
on Central Street, how she loved her garden and
having a little chat passing your house. Pam we had some really beautiful memories growing up in
Corner Brook. Thinking of you at this sad time.
Love, Suzanne Kenny (Davis)
St. John’s,NL
Dear Pam,
We are so sorry to hear of Helly’s passing. She was one of the people who made life in Corner Brook so interesting all the 32 years I lived there. What a lovely photo. It is so absolutely her. We spent many a happy time together doing so many different things over the years. We’ve sent a wee donation in her memory to Rotary Art Centre in CB in her memory, and we have a small painting of a Raven which she gave to me one birthday years ago. I treasure it.
Pam,, I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Thinking of you and your family and keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Pam so sorry to hear of your loss thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.
My sympathies to the Greenacre family. Helly was a lovely person. I knew her through her artistic work and also because my architect father Charles Cullum and engineer husband Gerry had connections with Philip. Caroline Stone
Dear Pam, I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. We were friends for many years in Corner Brook. I don’t know if you remember me. Helly and I were in the same class at University also. We kept in touch after I moved away but I haven’t heard back from her in a few years. Her creative spirit and her friendship meant a lot to me. I have and treasure pieces of her wonderful weaving I’m sending you love and warm thoughts in this difficult time. Elaine
I have memories that go back to my early days in Newfoundland when, on MUN Rt Gallery business, I travelled to Corner Brook from time to time and met Helly, Aileen Woolridge , Marlene Poole and others. I recall not only your mother’s art and craft work but a smile that “lit up the room” While I don’t have any of her work, I do have a tiny exquisitely embroidered cushion made by her mother, Martha Sumeg.
Patricia Grattan
So sorry to hear about Helly. She lived in our condo and we are shocked to hear of the passing of such a sweet lady.. Sincerely . Ron and Marie Power.
Your mother was a very special person as I am sure you are aware. I never saw Helly without a smile on her face. She was one of the rare individuals who always saw the positive in any situation. She has been on my mind for some time. I knew that she had left Corner Brook and was unable to make contact with her but she was never far from my thoughts. Please accept my condolences on her passing. She will be sorely missed.
Pamela , I was so sorry to hear of your dear mother’s passing. We were neighbours and friends for many years. Sincerely Marie Thorne
Pam and family , do sorry yo hear of your mother’ s passing . My thoughts are with you . May you take some comfort in your memories of your mother when she was her happiest .
Barbara Turner
So sorry you have lost your Mom, Pam. My thoughts are with you and Rob and family.