In Loving Memory of Helena Rainey Heinrich
Beloved Mother, Nana, Great-Nana, and Faithful Servant
It is with both deep sorrow and abiding gratitude that we announce the passing of our cherished matriarch, Helena Heinrich, on July 20th, 2025, at the age of 90.
Born in Portglenone, Northern Ireland, Helena was the youngest of 9 children to Harry and Jeanie Rainey. Her faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of her life, guiding her words, her actions, and her every decision. She lived not for herself, but for her Lord and the people she loved—family always came first.
Helena immigrated to Canada in 1957 when she was 22. She brought with her the warmth, wit, and unshakable spirit of her homeland. She became a mother to a set of beautiful twin girls, and 5 years later, she became a mother to a set of twin boys.
In 1980, she moved her family to Gabriola Island and called it home.
Helena was a woman of fierce integrity and quiet strength. Her moral compass never wavered, and she lived by a code of honesty, integrity, compassion, and grace. She taught by example—how to love deeply, work diligently, and forgive freely. Her kitchen was a haven, not only for the smell of a homemade stew and a hot cup of tea, but for the comfort of her wisdom and the safety of her embrace. Her home was open to all; no one was ever turned away.
Community members will fondly remember her for her heartfelt visits and companionship to those who were housebound or alone, and as a beloved member of the Gabriola Fellowship Church.
She is preceded in death by her parents and six siblings, and survived by her children, Kelly (Rick) Hatlelid, Shannon (Mike) Harris, Frank (Jennifer) Heinrich, Philip Heinrich, sisters Agnes Flemming, Maude McGuckin and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.
Though she has gone home to be with the Lord, whom she loved dearly, her legacy lives on in each of us who were lucky enough to know her. We will miss her prayers, her stories, her unwavering belief in what is right—and most of all, her love.
“Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always nearby. Still loved, still missed and very dear.
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal. May the Irish hills caress you. May her lakes and rivers bless you.”
-Irish farewell quote.
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