Obituary of Helen Finley

With heartfelt sorrow and cherished memories, the family of Helen Mildred Finley announces her peaceful passing on June 29, 2025 at the age of 101.

Helen, a woman of warmth, resilience, and quiet strength was born in the parish of Studholm, NB on March 21, 1924; she was the daughter of the late Gordon Arthur and Amy Elizabeth (Cox) Bickerton.

Raised on the Bickerton family farm on the Parleeville Road, her early years were filled with the simple joys of rural life. One of her fondest memories was riding her faithful horse, Dan, who would patiently stroll over to the woodpile, allowing her to climb aboard for gentle rides around the property. At the Embassy Hall Nursing Home, we rode her around the home in her wheelchair affectionately named Dan.

 Helen lived a long and fulfilling life defined by love, resilience, and a generous heart. A devoted wife, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, whose warmth and kindness touched all who knew her. She was a loving friend to many, Helen brought joy and strength to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her.

 Helen also had a sharp sense of play and a love for community. She was a devoted Auction Forty-Five card player. Her signature bid was 30 for 60 or 60 for 120 if it meant keeping the other team from winning. She would often be in "the hole" where the "sun don’t shine", and still come back and win.  As a bingo enthusiast, mom would regularly say, "I never win". I'm pretty certain she won often enough for her winnings to be considered "supplemental income"....shhss!

A talented baker and cook, Helen’s kitchen was always filled with the comforting aroma of homemade bread, pies, preserves, and—most famously—her tea biscuits, which were a must-have for Strawberry Shortcake at the Waterford Bingo nights. 

Helen's love for the land never faded. She cherished the time spent with her mother, Amy, picking berries—strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries—gathering sweet moments as they went. Their faithful guard "Sparky" accompanied them always. 

Helen's hard-working spirit showed in every chapter of her life. During the Second World War, Helen answered the call to service, working in a gun factory in Toronto. It was on a train ride home to the family farm that she met the love of her life, George Meredith “Bill” Finley. They were married on July 10, 1944, beginning a life together filled with partnership and shared service. 

Helen served as a cook in lumberjack camps, where her meals were as strong and reliable as she was and then later in life also worked in the office and sales departments at Sears.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and the quiet strength of a woman who lived fully and gave freely. The memory of her enduring spirit, her deep family bonds, and the stories will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

Helen is survived by her children: Bruce Finley, Adrienne Yang, Doug Finley (Madeline), Malcolm Finley (Cindy) and her brothers: Gordon and Allan Bickerton; her grandchildren: Phillip (Angela), Andrew (Lorna), Amy (Kyle), Natasha (Scott), Paulette (Kyle), Eric (Julia), Mark (Monica), David (Sherry) and Emma; her great grandchildren: Kaiya, Seth, Kayli, Mya, Brooke, Ethan, Owen, Lachlan, Elliott, Kaia, Neala, Eli, Aaron, Ryan, Heleena, Eva and Sadie; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Along with her parents and her loving husband, she is predeceased by her daughter-in-law, Debbie Finley; her son-in-law, Henry Yang; her sisters-in-law: Mary and Viola Bickerton and by her niece, Pat Butler.

Her memory will live on in the stories shared around tables, the recipes passed down through generations, and the hearts of all who loved her.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, (506-433-1176) from where A celebration of Helen’s life held on Friday, July 11, 2025 at 11:00am. The interment will take place at Oceanview Memorial Gardens, Saint John, NB.

Donations to Royal Canadian Legion, Sussex Branch #20 or a charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family. Donations and personal condolences to the family may be made through www.wallacefuneralhome.com